Leptopelis calcaratus is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae.[1][3][4][5] It is found in southeastern Nigeria, Cameroon, the southwestern Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea (including the island of Bioko), Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.[1][3] Common name Efulen forest treefrog has been coined for it (part of the type series originated from Efulan).[3][4]
| Leptopelis calcaratus | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Arthroleptidae |
| Genus: | Leptopelis |
| Species: | L. calcaratus
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| Binomial name | |
| Leptopelis calcaratus (Boulenger, 1906)
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| Synonyms[3] | |
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Hylambates calcaratus Boulenger, 1906[2] | |
Taxonomy edit
Leptopelis calcaratus was described by the Belgian-British zoologist George Albert Boulenger in 1906 based on a specimen collected from "Efulen" in Cameroon (holotype), with additional specimens from "Cape St. John and the Rio Benito District" in Equatorial Guinea; he had previously identified the latter as Leptopelis rufus.[2][3] Subspecies Leptopelis calcaratus meridionalis from south of the Congo River was described by Raymond Laurent in 1973.[3][4]
Description edit
Adult males measure 35–42 mm (1.4–1.7 in) and females 46–57 mm (1.8–2.2 in) in snout–vent length. This species has a characteristic white spur on the heel. The dorsum is greyish with a dark, backward-pointing triangle on the head, and a broad dark dorsal band that is often split up into bars or lateral spots. There is also often a white spot under the eye. The canthus rostralis is angular. Webbing in the feet is extensive.[4][5]
L. c. meridionalis differs from the nominate subspecies by the spur on the heel being less developed, by having more extensive webbing, and by other small morphological differences.[4][5]
Habitat and conservation edit
Leptopelis calcaratus is an arboreal frog found in lowland and montane rainforests at elevations from near sea level to 1,500 m (4,900 ft) above sea level, possibly higher. It does not survive in secondary habitats. If similar to other species of Leptopelis, it would lay eggs in a nest on the ground near water. It is a common species but its habitat is affected by habitat loss caused by agricultural expansion, logging, and human settlements. It occurs in a number of protected areas, including the Korup National Park (Cameroon), Monte Alén National Park (Equatorial Guinea), and Dzanga-Ndoki National Park (Central African Republic).[1]
References edit
- ^ a b c d IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2013). "Leptopelis calcaratus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013: e.T56250A18387924. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-2.RLTS.T56250A18387924.en. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
- ^ a b Boulenger, G. A. (1906). "Descriptions of new batrachians discovered by Mr. G.L. Bates in South Cameroon". Annals and Magazine of Natural History. Series 7. 17 (99): 317–323. doi:10.1080/00222930608562529. Archived from the original on 2016-11-11.
- ^ a b c d e f Frost, Darrel R. (2018). "Leptopelis calcaratus (Boulenger, 1906)". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 20 May 2018.
- ^ a b c d e "Leptopelis calcaratus (Boulenger, 1906)". African Amphibians. Retrieved 10 November 2016.
- ^ a b c "Leptopelis calcaratus". AmphibiaWeb: Information on amphibian biology and conservation. [web application]. Berkeley, California: AmphibiaWeb. 2008. Retrieved 10 November 2016.