Zhangixalus duboisi is a species of frog in the family Rhacophoridae found in China and Vietnam. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marshes, and heavily degraded former forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.[2][3][4]

Zhangixalus duboisi
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Rhacophoridae
Genus: Zhangixalus
Species:
Z. duboisi
Binomial name
Zhangixalus duboisi
(Ohler, Marquis, Swan & Grosjean, 2000)
Synonyms
  • Rhacophorus duboisi Ohler, Marquis, Swan & Grosjean, 2000
  • Polypedates pingbianensis Kou, Hu & Gao, 2001

Habitat

edit

This frog lives in montaine and submontaine forests. It has been found in areas with evergreen trees or karst zones. It has been found next to ponds, swamps, and seeps. This frog has been observed between 1210 and 2813 meters above sea level.[4]

Reproduction

edit

The male frog digs a hole under a rock and then sings for the female frogs. The female frog lays her eggs in the hole. Adult frogs of both sexes have been observed guarding egg clutches. The tadpoles move into the water after hatching.[4]

Threats

edit

The IUCN classifies this frog as vulnerable to extinction because of its limited range. It is threatened by ongoing habitat loss associated with cardamom farming and infrastructure for tourism. Scientists also cite climate change as a possible threat, given that the frog's high-altitude habitat may preclude migration to cooler areas.[4]

Scientists believe the frog might be vulnerable to capture for sale on the international pet trade because of its distinctive coloration but this has not been recorded happening yet. Other colorful frogs in Zhangixalus and Rhacophorus have been sold as pets for this reason.[4]

References

edit
  1. ^ IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2022). "Zhangixalus duboisi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2022: e.T58989A63871893. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  2. ^ Frost, Darrel R. "Zhangixalus duboisi (Ohler, Marquis, Swan, and Grosjean, 2000)". Amphibian Species of the World, an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History, New York. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
  3. ^ "Zhangixalus duboisi (Ohler, Marquis, Swan, and Grosjean, 2000)". AmphibiaWeb. University of California, Berkeley. Retrieved May 2, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d e IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2022). "Dubois' Whipping Frog: Zhangixalus duboisi". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 3.1. p. e.T58989A63871893. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-1.RLTS.T58989A63871893.en. 58989. Retrieved May 20, 2024.