Leptodactylodon polyacanthus
Leptodactylodon polyacanthus is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It is found in the highlands of western Cameroon and on the Obudu Plateau in eastern Nigeria.[1][2] Common name African egg frog has been coined for it.[1][2]
Leptodactylodon polyacanthus | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Amphibia |
Order: | Anura |
Family: | Arthroleptidae |
Genus: | Leptodactylodon |
Species: | L. polyacanthus |
Binomial name | |
Leptodactylodon polyacanthus Amiet, 1971 | |
Subspecies
There are two subspecies:[1][2]
- Leptodactylodon polyacanthus polyacanthus Amiet, 1971
- Leptodactylodon polyacanthus punctiventris Amiet, 1971
The nominotypical subspecies occurs in the northern parts of the species' range in both Cameroon and Nigeria. L. p. punctiventris is found in the southern part of the species' range in Cameroon only.[1]
Habitat and conservation
Leptodactylodon polyacanthus occurs in montane and submontane forests at elevations of 1,000–1,900 m (3,300–6,200 ft) above sea level; there is a tentative record from 1,997 m (6,552 ft). It can occur in degraded forests, provided that some canopy cover remains. Breeding takes place in streams and springs, and during the breeding season males can be found on wet clay, in rock crevices, and small streams, whereas the females hide under stones. Tadpoles have been found in shallow, sandy streams.[1]
This species is threatened loss of its forest habitat caused by smallholder farming activities, expanding human settlements, and subsistence wood extraction. Collection for human consumption might affect some populations. The threat posed by chytridiomycosis remains uncertain. It occurs in the Bafut-Ngemba Forest Reserve.[1]
References
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2017). "Leptodactylodon polyacanthus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T54437A96309226. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T54437A96309226.en. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
- Frost, Darrel R. (2018). "Leptodactylodon polyacanthus Amiet, 1971". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 8 September 2018.