Metaphrynella pollicaris explained

Metaphrynella pollicaris (common name: Malaysian treefrog or Malaysian tree-hole frog) is a species of frog in the family Microhylidae. It is endemic to Peninsular Malaysia.[1] [2]

Description

Males measure 24mm41mm and females 27mm28mm in snout–vent length. Dorsum is dark olive-brown above, with a variable patterning. Tympanum is hidden. Finger tips are expanded into large disks.[2]

Habitat and conservation

The species' natural habitats are evergreen rainforest and forest edges. It lives in hollows in tree trunks and bamboo, where it also reproduces. While it is secretive, the male call is distinctive and makes it surveyable. Based on the calls, it is abundant where it occurs. It abundance seems to be limited by the availability of tree holes. It can occur as low as 550m (1,800feet) asl, but is more common from about 900m (3,000feet) upwards.

It could be locally threatened by habitat loss, although it may benefit from habitat clearing that encourages the growth of giant bamboos, providing it with its microhabitat. It is known from several protected areas.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Metaphrynella pollicaris (Boulenger, 1890) . Frost, Darrel R. . 2015 . Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0 . American Museum of Natural History . 15 April 2015.
  2. Web site: Metaphrynella pollicaris . Amphibians and Reptiles of Peninsular Malaysia . 15 April 2015.