Cophixalus riparius

Cophixalus riparius is a species of frog in the family Microhylidae. It is endemic to Papua New Guinea and occurs in the New Guinea Highlands in Madang, Southern Highlands, and Western Highlands provinces southeastward to the Morobe Province.[1][3] The specific name riparius refers to the creek-side habitat from which many specimens in the type series were collected.[2] Common name Wilhelm rainforest frog has been coined for this species.[3]

Cophixalus riparius
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Microhylidae
Genus: Cophixalus
Species:
C. riparius
Binomial name
Cophixalus riparius

Names

It is known as gwnm in the Kalam language of Papua New Guinea, a name that is also applied to Xenorhina rostrata.[4]

Description

Adult males grow to at least 45 mm (1.8 in) and adult females to 49 mm (1.9 in) in snout–vent length; males appear to reach maturity by they are 41 mm (1.6 in). The snout is short and bluntly rounded. The tympanum is only barely visible at its lower edge. The supratympanic fold is weak. The fingers and toes bear well-developed discs. Preserved specimens are dorsally purplish brown, with an irregular pattern of dark markings. These markings may sometimes form rugged dorsolateral lines or join to form a network, but only rarely reducing the lighter background to isolated spots.[2]

Habitat and conservation

Cophixalus riparius is found in montane rainforests among boulders and grass near streams at elevations of 1,900–2,800 m (6,200–9,200 ft) above sea level. Development is direct (i.e., there is no free-living larval stage).[1]

This species is common and adaptable, probably able to withstand a degree of habitat degradation. It is not facing significant threats. It might be present in the Mount Kaindi Wildlife Management Area.[1]

References
  1. IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2020). "Cophixalus riparius". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T57785A152550259. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T57785A152550259.en. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  2. Zweifel, Richard George (1962). "Frogs of the microhylid genus Cophixalus from the mountains of New Guinea". American Museum Novitates (2087): 1–26. hdl:2246/3455.
  3. Frost, Darrel R. (2019). "Cophixalus riparius Zweifel, 1962". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  4. Bulmer, RNH (1975). Kalam Classification Of Reptiles And Fishes. Journal of the Polynesian Society 84(3): 267–308.
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