Pyxicephalus cordofanus, also known as Rana cordofana, is a possible species of frog. It is a nomen dubium, a name of unknown application. Franz Steindachner, who described the species in 1867, specified neither a holotype nor syntypes. The syntypes are believed to be at the Natural History Museum, Vienna (NHMW), possibly including the specimen NHMW 2673.[3] The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists it as "data deficient", citing "continuing doubts as to its taxonomic validity, extent of occurrence, status and ecological requirements".[1]
| Pyxicephalus cordofanus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Pyxicephalidae |
| Genus: | Pyxicephalus |
| Species: | "P." cordofanus
|
| Binomial name | |
| "Pyxicephalus" cordofanus Steindachner, 1867[2]
| |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Description edit
The original species description, based on two specimens, is summarized as follows:[2]
Head considerably narrower, snout longer and sharper than in the two species mentioned earlier [=Pyxicephalus adspersus, Pyxicephalus delalandii]; Tongue roundish, at the posterior margin only very slightly constricted, tongue lobes very short; Back with brownish marbling and small spots; Tympanum (anatomy) indistinctly visible; A small clump on the outer edge of the metatarsus.
Distribution edit
It is only known from its type locality, "Cordofan", Egypt",[3] an area that falls within the present-day Sudan, thus making this taxon a Sudanese endemic.[1]
Ecology edit
The ecology of this taxon is unknown, but it is presumed to be an aquatic species.[1]
References edit
- ^ a b c d Sherif Baha El Din (2004). "Pyxicephalus cordofanus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2004: e.T58579A11788047. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2004.RLTS.T58579A11788047.en. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
- ^ a b Steindachner, F. (1867). Reise der österreichischen Fregatte Novara um die Erde in den Jahren 1857, 1858, 1859 unter den Bafehlen des Commodore B. von Wüllerstorf-Urbair. Zologischer Theil. 1. Amphibien. Wien: K. K. Hof- und Staatsdruckerei. p. 8.
- ^ a b Frost, Darrel R. (2017). "Anura". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 26 March 2017.