Peltophryne fluviatica explained

Peltophryne fluviatica, also known as the Dominican Caribbean toad or Hispaniolan crestless toad, is a species of toad endemic to the Cibao Valley in the northwestern Dominican Republic.[1] It has only been recorded at two localities.

Description

Males measure 33mm44mm in snout–vent length; the size of females are unknown. Snout is acuminate and tympanum is distinct. Dorsum bears numerous scattered small warts; those in the paratoid areas are more prominent. Dorsal ground color is green, from bright to olive. There are often bright yellow—orange spots or blotches and a light tan—yellow middorsal hairline.[2]

Habitat

Peltophryne fluviatica occurs in xeric habitats with broadleaf gallery forest, usually close to streams. Males call from shallow running water. Eggs are deposited in still water.

Conservation

Peltophryne fluviatica is listed as a Critically Endangered or possibly extinct species due to a restricted range and continual habitat loss. The species has not been seen since it was described in 1972 and features on the list of "Lost Frogs".[3] It is uncertain whether it still exists in the wild.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Peltophryne fluviatica (Schwartz, 1972) . Frost, Darrel R. . 2014 . Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0 . American Museum of Natural History . 17 March 2015.
  2. Powell, R. . G. K. Pregill . amp . Peltophryne fluviatica . Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles . 1991 . 507 . 1–2 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150402090732/http://www.zenscientist.com/index.php/filedrawer/Open-Access-Journals/caar/Peltophryne-fluviatica/ . 2015-04-02 .
  3. Web site: The Search for Lost Frogs . 2014 . amphibians.org . Amphibian Specialist Group (ASG) and Amphibian Survival Alliance (ASA) . 17 March 2015 . 2 May 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190502214126/http://www.amphibians.org/lostfrogs/ .