Hispaniolan giant tree frog
The Hispaniolan giant tree frog (Osteopilus vastus), or Hispaniola tree frog, is a species of frog in the family Hylidae endemic to Hispaniola, found in both the Dominican Republic and Haiti.[2]
| Hispaniolan giant tree frog | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Hylidae |
| Genus: | Osteopilus |
| Species: | O. vastus |
| Binomial name | |
| Osteopilus vastus (Cope, 1871) | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Taxonomy
Populations from the southern part of Hispaniola may represent a separate, as yet undescribed species.[1]
Distribution
It is patchily distributed in across the island. They are primarily found in mesic broadleaf forests but also in a range of agricultural habitats, such as cacao and coffee plantations and pastures. They can be found high in the canopy (up to 15 m). They are often found along creeks and streams; males call from trees overhanging running water. Eggs are also deposited in running water.[1]
Conservation
The species is threatened by habitat loss caused by degradation of streams and deforestation.[1]
References
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2013). "Osteopilus vastus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013: e.T54346A3014515. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T54346A3014515.en. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
- Frost, Darrel R. (2014). "Osteopilus vastus (Cope, 1871)". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 20 September 2014.