Hyperolius montanus explained

Hyperolius montanus (common name: mountain reed frog or montane reed frog) is a species of frog in the family Hyperoliidae. It is endemic to Kenya and known from the Kenya Highlands.[1] It might represent more than one species.

Description

The type series, collected from Mount Kinangop, consists of one male measuring 26mm and four females measuring 29mm34mm in snout–vent length. Males are reported to vary in SVL between 25mm38mm, making them medium to large sized among Hyperolius frogs. Colour pattern is variable. Dorsum is uniformly greyish brown to light brown, yellow, or greenish. A dark brown canthal stripe runs from behind the eye to shoulder or groin. Males have yellow to white throat, or green in green-backed specimens. Ventrum is whitish and feet are whitish to yellowish.[2]

Habitat and conservation

Hyperolius montanus is an adaptable species that lives in montane grassland and farmland, montane rainforest, and moor land at elevations of approximately 1800m–3100mm (5,900feet–10,200feetm) asl. It is a common species that is locally abundant. No significant threats have been identified, although pesticides and other agro-chemicals could be a local threat.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Hyperolius montanus (Angel, 1924) . Frost, Darrel R. . 2015 . Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0 . American Museum of Natural History . 15 September 2015.
  2. Web site: Hyperolius montanus . 2015 . AmphibiaWeb: Information on amphibian biology and conservation. [web application] . Berkeley, California: AmphibiaWeb . 15 September 2015.