Ecnomiohyla rabborum
Ecnomiohyla rabborum
Ecnomiohyla rabborum is a Central American tree frog species from the currently eleven kinds comprehensive Ecnomiohyla genus that is considered as independent since 2005. The species itself was first described scientifically in 2008, and is only to a punctual area in Panama known. In English, the kind of " Rabb 's Fringe - limbed Treefrog " ( Rabbs Frans toe tree frog ) is called. Meanwhile, she applies for a sudden stock slump provisionally considered lost.
Features
It is a comparatively large tree frog with snout-vent lengths of 62-97 mm in males and 61-100 mm in females. The top is brown or brown-green colored marbled, the skin has a grainy granular texture. Dermal bones of the back or the head is not present, in contrast to certain other Ecnomiohyla species. The fingers and toes are strikingly large, flattened and provided with just such an adhesive disks at the ends. The webbed between are well developed and rich front to approach each adhesive disc of a finger, on the feet, this is the case with two toes. The males have callused skin with black spines, among other things, this applies to the Bruns sealed Wielen.
Occurrence and life
The species was found only in the vicinity of the town of El Valle de Antón in the cloud forest in Central Panama at altitudes 900-1150 m NN and there is probably endemic. It was only detected at three or four locations within the same area.
These tree frogs are primarily nocturnal. With the help of their enormous limbs that are equipped with up -reaching to toe clamping skins, the animals from trees grown can move by gliding to the ground - similar to some Asian Flying frogs ( Rhacophorus ). Males call throughout the year; But the highlight of the reproductive period seems to be the beginning of the rainy season between mid-March and May. Also noteworthy is the brood care behavior of the males. Apparently they occupy areas and protect the lying in water-filled tree hollows spawning grounds. Prior to spawning in batches of 60 to 200 eggs were deposited directly above the water line. The females move away, then rapidly. The males guard the nest, however, not only, but also seem to feed the tadpoles by to seat himself in the accumulation of water and let the young feed on skin particles secreted.
Endangering
A year after the first field observations of the species in 2005, it was found that, more recently, for amphibians usually fatal fungal disease chytridiomycosis occurred in the distribution area of Ecnomiohyla rabborum. Despite an intensive search could then only be heard once again in December 2007, the calls of a single male. Therefore, it is now assumed that a dramatic loss of population or even feared their complete extinction. In addition, habitat changes are mentioned, such as the clearing of forest land for luxury vacation homes.
In the Red List of endangered species by the World Conservation Union Ecnomiohyla rabborum until further notice as " critically endangered " ( critically endangered ) classified.
Further Reading
JR Mendelson, III, JM Savage, E. Griffith, H. Ross, B. Kubicki & R. Gagliardo: A spectacular new species of gliding Ecnomiohyla ( Anura: Hylidae ) from Central Panama. Journal of Herpetology, 42 (2008): 750-759.