New records and updated distribution map of Gastrotheca albolineata (Lutz and Lutz, 1939) (Amphibia: Anura: Hemiphractidae)

Abstract

Herein we present a geographical distribution map of Gastrotheca albolineata, an endemic species of marsupial treefrogs from ombrophilous formations in the Atlantic Forest biome. The new records were provided from field observations, collected specimens and data from museum specimens. The present study report new records from Rio de Janeiro state, provide an updated distribution map, and comments on its ecological aspects, thus contributing to future studies concerning the biogeography and biology of this group. Considering the lack of studies on the biology of this species as well as the lack of knowledge on its population trends, we also suggest changes in the status of conservation of the species by the IUCN.

Natural history of the marsupial frog Gastrotheca albolineata (Anura: Hemiphractidae) in lowland Brazilian Atlantic Forest

“…Gastrotheca albolineata (Lutz and Lutz, 1939) is presently included in the G. microdiscus group (Monteiro et al 2019), and its distribution encompasses Atlantic Forest in the states of Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, and extreme northeast of São Paulo (Pontes et al 2012). Like most Atlantic Forest Gastrotheca species, G. albolineata is mainly arboreal (Pontes et al 2012).…”

“…Gastrotheca albolineata (Lutz and Lutz, 1939) is presently included in the G. microdiscus group (Monteiro et al 2019), and its distribution encompasses Atlantic Forest in the states of Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, and extreme northeast of São Paulo (Pontes et al 2012). Like most Atlantic Forest Gastrotheca species, G. albolineata is mainly arboreal (Pontes et al 2012). Some information is available in literature, including the advertisement call (Izecksohn and Carvalho-e-Silva 2008); defensive behavior (Muscat and Rotenberg 2016); breeding activity during the dry season (Pontes et al 2012); and egg number and size (Caramaschi and Rodrigues 2007).…”

“…Like most Atlantic Forest Gastrotheca species, G. albolineata is mainly arboreal (Pontes et al 2012). Some information is available in literature, including the advertisement call (Izecksohn and Carvalho-e-Silva 2008); defensive behavior (Muscat and Rotenberg 2016); breeding activity during the dry season (Pontes et al 2012); and egg number and size (Caramaschi and Rodrigues 2007). Demographic data, seasonal variation in breeding activity, egg development, parturition, and newly hatched froglet size for G. albolineata remain unknown.…”

“…Gastrotheca albolineata is ranked as Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened species (Carvalho-e-Silva and Telles 2004), but it is poorly represented in herpetological collections and rarely seen in nature (Pontes et al 2012). Although not endangered, populations are decreasing (Carvalho-e-Silva and Telles 2004).…”

“…Although not endangered, populations are decreasing (Carvalho-e-Silva and Telles 2004). Natural history studies are essential to evaluate its local conservation status (Pontes et al 2012) and to promote effective amphibian conservation (Michaels et al 2014). Herein, we present new data on the natural history of a population of G. albolineata monitored for four years at its southernmost distribution (Ubatuba, São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil) and provide information on temporal and habitat use, defensive behavior, and breeding biology.…”