Pseudophilautus amboli, the Amboli bush frog, is a rare shrub frog species endemic to the Western Ghats (India). It is found in Amboli (the type locality) and Amba in Maharashtra and in Castle Rock, Londa, Jog Falls-Mavingundi, and Kudremukh-Malleshwaram in Karnataka.[1][2]
| Amboli bush frog | |
|---|---|
| |
| Individual with inflated vocal sac in Amboli. | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Rhacophoridae |
| Genus: | Pseudophilautus |
| Species: | P. amboli
|
| Binomial name | |
| Pseudophilautus amboli | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Philautus amboli Biju and Bossuyt, 2009[3] | |
Description
editThe Amboli bush frog is a small frog, though it is medium-sized to large among its relatives. The snout–vent length of this species is 34 mm (1.3 in) in males and to 37.5 mm (1.48 in) in females.[3][4] Males have a large and transparent vocal sack when calling. The body is rather robust. Discs of fingertips are much enlarged. Tympanum is dark brown. dorsum is uniform blackish brown. Throat lemon yellowish with minute black spots.[3]
Habitat
editIn Amboli it was found in extremely disturbed areas close to evergreen forest patches, although it is not known whether or not it occurs in primary evergreen forest. It breeds by direct development.[1]
Threats and conservation action
editThe major threat to the species is habitat loss and fragmentation due to urbanization and tourism development. It is not known to occur in any protected areas, making habitat protection an urgent priority.[1]
Gallery
edit-
Typical Amboli bush frog -
Amboli bush frog with enlarged vocal sac for mating calls -
Amplexus
References
edit
- ^ a b c d S.D. Biju (2004). "Pseudophilautus amboli". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2004: e.T58910A11854647. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2004.RLTS.T58910A11854647.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
- ^ a b Frost, Darrel R. (2013). "Pseudophilautus amboli (Biju and Bossuyt, 2009)". Amphibian Species of the World 5.6, an Online Reference. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
- ^ a b c Biju, S. D.; Bossuyt, F. (2009). "Systematics and phylogeny of Philautus Gistel, 1848 (Anura, Rhacophoridae) in the Western Ghats of India, with descriptions of 12 new species". Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 155 (2): 374–444. doi:10.1111/j.1096-3642.2008.00466.x.
- ^ Gururaja, K V (2012). Pictorial Guide to Frogs and Toads of the Western Ghats. Gubbi Labs. pp. 116–117.