Leptodactylodon mertensi
Leptodactylodon mertensi is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It is endemic to the mountains of western Cameroon and occurs on the southern slopes of the Bamileke Plateau, Mount Nlonako, and Mount Manengouba.[1][2] The specific name mertensi honours Robert Mertens, a German zoologist and herpetologist.[3] Common name Mertens' egg frog has been coined for it.[1][2][3]
| Leptodactylodon mertensi | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Arthroleptidae |
| Genus: | Leptodactylodon |
| Species: | L. mertensi |
| Binomial name | |
| Leptodactylodon mertensi Perret, 1959 | |
Leptodactylodon mertensi occurs in montane and lower montane forest at elevations of 950–1,850 m (3,120–6,070 ft) above sea level. It lives in dense undergrowth and in dense herbage of raffia palm beds along streams. Males call near pools and riffles in small streams, or in waterlogged humus near springs. It is typically not found in rocky areas. Breeding takes place in small streams.[1]
It is threatened by habitat loss caused by agricultural encroachment, agrochemicals, expanding human settlements, wood extraction, and unsustainable harvest of bark from Prunus africana. It is not known to occur in any protected areas.[1]
References
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2013). "Leptodactylodon mertensi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013: e.T54433A16925214. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T54433A16925214.en. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
- Frost, Darrel R. (2018). "Leptodactylodon mertensi Perret, 1959". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 26 August 2018.
- Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael & Grayson, Michael (2013). The Eponym Dictionary of Amphibians. Pelagic Publishing. p. 141. ISBN 978-1-907807-42-8.