Ecnomiohyla rabborum
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Ecnomiohyla rabborum |
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| Mendelson , Savage , Griffith , Ross , Kubicki & Gagliardo , 2008 |
Ecnomiohyla rabborum is a Central American tree frog species from the genus Ecnomiohyla currently comprising eleven species, which has been regarded as an independentspeciessince 2005. The species itself was only scientifically described in 2008 and is only known from a punctual area in Panama . In English, the species is called Rabb's Fringe-limbed Treefrog ("Rabbs fringe-toe tree frog"). In the meantime, after a sudden drop in stocks, it is temporarily considered lost. Since no wild populations are known and the last animal in captivity died on September 26, 2016, it can be assumed that the species is extinct.
features
It is a comparatively large tree frog with head-to-trunk lengths of 60 to 100 millimeters. The upper side is colored brown or brown-green marbled, whereby the skin has a grainy-granulated texture. Dermal bones to back or head, in contrast to certain other Ecnomiohyla TYPES not exist. The fingers and toes are noticeably large, flattened and provided with adhesive discs at the ends. The webs in between are well defined and extend to the front of the adhesive disc attachment of one finger, on the feet this is the case with two toes. The males have keratinized areas of skin with black spines, including the oestrus calluses .
Occurrence and way of life
The species was only found near the town of El Valle de Antón in the mountain cloud forest of central Panama at heights between 900 and 1150 meters above sea level and is probably endemic there. It was only detected in three or four places within the same area.
These tree frogs are mainly nocturnal. With the help of their enormously large extremities, which are equipped with skins reaching up to the tips of their toes, the animals can move from trees in gliding flight to the ground - similar to some Asian flying frogs ( Rhacophorus ). The males call all year round; The peak of the breeding season seems to be the beginning of the rainy season between mid-March and May. The brood care behavior of the males is also remarkable. Apparently they occupy territories and protect the spawning grounds in water-filled tree hollows. Previously, the spawn was placed in portions of 60 to 200 eggs just above the waterline. The females then move away quickly. The males, on the other hand, not only guard the clutch, but also seem to feed the tadpoles by sitting in the pool of water and letting the offspring eat on secreted skin particles.
Danger
One year after the first field observations of the species in 2005, it was found that the fungal disease chytridiomycosis , which is usually fatal for amphibians , has recently appeared in the range of Ecnomiohyla rabborum . Despite an intensive search, the calls of a single male could only be heard once again in December 2007. It is therefore now assumed that there will be a drastic decline in the population or that it will even be extinct completely. In addition, habitat changes are mentioned, such as the clearing of forest areas for luxury holiday homes.
In the Red List of Endangered Species of the World Conservation of Nature Union , Ecnomiohyla rabborum is classified as critically endangered until further notice (" critically endangered ").
The last living specimen, Toughie , was cared for in the Atlanta Botanical Gardens .
Probable extinction
On September 28, 2016, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens announced on its Facebook page that the specimen kept there died on September 28. The news was also confirmed by Scientific American. With the death of the last known individual, the species can most certainly be regarded as extinct.
further reading
JR Mendelson, III, JM Savage, E. Griffith, H. Ross, B. Kubicki & R. Gagliardo: A spectacular new gliding species of Ecnomiohyla (Anura: Hylidae) from Central Panama. Journal of Herpetology, 42, pp. 750-759, 2008
Web links
- Species portrait of Ecnomiohyla rabborum near Amphibiaweb (Engl.)
- Ecnomiohyla rabborum inthe IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019.3. Listed by: IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, 2019. Accessed December 30, 2019.
- Amphibian Species of the World
- A picture of Ecnomiohyla rabborum at Amphibiaweb
- IUCN distribution map for Ecnomiohyla rabborum
Individual evidence
- ↑ Atlanta Botanical Garden frogPOD ( en ) Archived from the original on January 21, 2016. Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
- ↑ [1] Facebook message about the death of the last individual in the Atlanta Botanical Garden
- ↑ from Scientific American
