Gracixalus waza
| Gracixalus waza | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Rhacophoridae |
| Genus: | Gracixalus |
| Species: | G. waza
|
| Binomial name | |
| Gracixalus waza | |
  | |
| Gracixalus waza is only known from the Hạ Lang District in northern Vietnam | |
Gracixalus waza is a species of shrub frog in the family Rhacophoridae, endemic to the Cao Bang Province in northern Vietnam.[2][3] This newly (2013) described species is only known from the area of its type locality in the Ha Lang District.[1][2] However, it is not unlikely that the species also occurs in the adjacent part of China.[2]
Etymology
The species is named for the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), acknowledging their "support of amphibian research and conservation in Vietnam".[1] The common name Waza treefrog has been suggested for it.[1][3]
Description
Adult males measure 27–33 mm (1.1–1.3 in) and adult females, based on two specimens only, about 38 mm (1.5 in) in snout–vent length. The snout is rounded, slightly protruding. The head is as wide or wider than it is long. The tympanum is distinct and rounded, and the canthus rostralis is rounded. The supratympanic fold is distinct. The forelimbs are relatively short. The fingers have no webbing but have well-developed discs at their tips. The toes are webbed. The toe discs are smaller than the finger discs. The skin is smooth except for some granularity behind the tympanum, flanks, belly, and the limbs. Dorsal coloration varies from light greenish brown to moss-green. There is a dark brown, blotched pattern between eyes that continues backwards as two bands (forming a Y-like mark), and a dark stripe in the middle of posterior part of dorsum. The limbs have some dark brown bands. The throat and chest are white with dark brown marbling, whereas the belly is immaculate white.[1]
Habitat and conservation
Gracixalus waza seems to be associated with karst landscape: specimens were found near cave entrances and in valleys surrounded by limestone mountains, with the main habitat in the area being secondary karst forest consisting of hardwoods mixed with shrubs and vines. The elevational range is 480–650 m (1,570–2,130 ft) above sea level. The records are some distance away from water (minimum distance about 200 m (660 ft)). The call was not heard during the periods surveys. Animals are active by night. Most individuals were found low on trees some 0.2–0.5 m (1–2 ft) above the ground, but two individuals were found on a limestone cliff inside a cave. Several other karst species have been found in the same area, including the gecko Goniurosaurus luii and the snake Elaphe moellendorffi.[1]
As of late 2018, this species has not yet been assessed for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.[4]
References
- ^ a b c d e f Nguyen, Truong Quang; Le, Minh Duc; Pham, Cuong The; Nguyen, Tao Thien; Bonkowski, Michael; Ziegler, Thomas (2013). "A new species of Gracixalus (Amphibia: Anura: Rhacophoridae) from northern Vietnam". Organisms Diversity & Evolution. 13 (2): 203–214. doi:10.1007/s13127-012-0116-0.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|last-author-amp=ignored (|name-list-style=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c d Frost, Darrel R. (2018). "Gracixalus waza Nguyen, Le, Pham, Nguyen, Bonkowski, and Ziegler, 2013". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 2 November 2018.
- ^ a b "Gracixalus waza Waza Treefrog, Waza Ruderfrosch, Nhai cay wa-za". AmphibiaWeb. University of California, Berkeley. 2018. Retrieved 2 November 2018.
- ^ "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species". Retrieved 2 November 2018.