Mertensophryne mocquardi
Mertensophryne mocquardi (common names: Mocquards [sic] toad,[1][2] Mocquard's toad[4]) is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae. It is endemic to Kenya and known from Mount Kenya, the Kinangop Plateau, and the highlands surrounding Nairobi.[1][2] The specific name mocquardi refers to François Mocquard, a French herpetologist.[4] It was put in synonymy of Mertensophryne lonnbergi in 1972, but re-validated in 1997.[2][5]
| Mertensophryne mocquardi | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Bufonidae |
| Genus: | Mertensophryne |
| Species: | M. mocquardi |
| Binomial name | |
| Mertensophryne mocquardi (Angel, 1924) | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
|
Bufo mocquardi Angel, 1924[3] | |
Description
Mertensophryne mocquardi is a relatively small-sized toad.[5] The tympanum is hidden. The canthus rostralis is angular. No bone ridges are present in the head. The parotoid glands are distinct but not always prominent;[3] they are broad and well separated from the eyelids.[5] The hind limbs are relatively short and have well-developed subarticular tubercles. The toes are about one-third webbed. Skin is granulate or tuberculate above and granulate below. The dorsal colouration varies from yellow to black. A light vertebral stripe is often present.[3]
Habitat and conservation
Owing to confusing with Mertensophryne lonnbergi and Mertensophryne nairobiensis, the ecology of this species is poorly known. It is assumed to be a montane forest species.[1] The type series was collected at elevations of 2,400–2,600 m (7,900–8,500 ft) above sea level.[5] Threats to it are not known. It might be present in the Mount Kenya and Aberdares National Parks.[1]
References
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2014). "Mertensophryne mocquardi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2014: e.T54712A18371014. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-1.RLTS.T54712A18371014.en. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
- Frost, Darrel R. (2018). "Mertensophryne mocquardi (Angel, 1924)". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 21 October 2018.
- Angel, F. (1924). "Note préliminaire sur deaux batraciens nouveaux, des genres Rappia et Bufo, provenant d'Afrique orientale anglaise (Mission Alluaud et Jeannel, 1911–1912)". Bulletin du Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle. 30: 269–270.
- Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael & Grayson, Michael (2013). The Eponym Dictionary of Amphibians. Pelagic Publishing. p. 145. ISBN 978-1-907807-42-8.
- Poynton, J. C. (1997). "On Bufo nyikae Loveridge and the B. lonnbergi complex of East African highlands (Anura: Bufonidae)". African Journal of Herpetology. 46 (2): 98–102. doi:10.1080/21564574.1997.9649983.