Pseudophilautus dilmah, a new species of shrub frog (Amphibia: Anura: Rhacophoridae) from a threatened habitat Loolkandura in Sri Lanka

Wickramasinghe, L. J. Mendis; Bandara, Imesh Nuwan; Vidanapathirana, Dulan Ranga; Tennekoon, Kamani Hemamala; Samarakoon, Sameera Ranganath; Wickramasinghe, Nethu

doi:10.11609/jott.o3501.7089-110

Cited by 7 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 11 publications

(18 reference statements)

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“…However there are also examples of valid morphologically different species that have low genetic distances in other complexes of related species in Rhacophoridae, e.g. Pseudophilautus pleurotaenia and P. hoipolloi (p = 0.5%), P. asankai and P. hoffmanni (p = 1.0%), P. decoris and P. mittermeieri (p = 1.4%), P. dilmah and P. hankeni (p = 1.6%) (Wickramasinghe et al 2015), as well as species in other families such as Kalophrynus cryptophonus and K. honbaensis (p = 1.69%, Vassilieva et al 2014). Hence we consider the Liuixalus feii from Heishiding Nature Reserve can be treated as a recognized species, which is also supported by morphological evidence, as stated above.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A new species of the genus Liuixalus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from southern China

Yang

Rao

Wang

2015

Zootaxa

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A new tree frog species of the genus Liuixalus was described from Heishiding Nature Reserve, Guangdong Province, China based on a combination of morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Liuixalus feii sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of following characters: small size (SVL 16.2-17.6 mm in adult males and 18.0-18.7 mm in adult females); snout obtusely pointed; tympanum distinct, about half size of eye diameter; nostril closer to eye than to the tip of snout; fingers free of webbing; toe III longer than toe V; toes weakly webbed; tibiotarsal articulation reaching the naris or loreal; dorsal skin smooth and scattered with fine granulars; a subtle longitudinal median ridge present on dorsum; weak skin folds present on dorsal surface of body and thighs; supratympanic fold distinct and curved; ventral surface dull white with more or less irregular dark spots; iris bicolored. The new species appears to be forest-dependent and to date has only been found on the forest floor in primary forests at elevations between 350-800 m. Based on our molecular analyses, we consider Liuixalus catbaensis as a junior synonym of L. calcarius. Thus, with the description of the new species, the genus Liuixalus hitherto contains five recognized species, four of which are endemic to China.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A new species of the genus Liuixalus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from southern China

Yang

Rao

Wang

2015

Zootaxa

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“…The conflict that ensues when natural movement of such species is thwarted by human habitation or cultivation is a serious problem for the Department of Wildlife and makes national news. Later studies revealed that elephants in human-dominated areas tend to have larger home ranges than others, the size determined by the availability of food and that they use fixed cross over points between habitat patches (Weerakoon et al, 2004). Fernando categorically states that the conservation of elephants requires a landscape approach (Fernando, 2015b).…”

Section: Lack Of Focus On Landscape-scale Conservationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Conservation Revisited

Miththapala

2016

Ceylon J. Sci. (Biol. Sci.)

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This paper proposes that Sri Lanka's nature conservation efforts are hampered by the lack of a clear understanding of the meaning of the word conservation. This lack of understanding then impedes effective implementation of conservation actions. It revisits terminology to obtain clarity of the definition of conservation. Inherent in many current definitions are the following. 1) Humans are integral to conservation biology. Anthropogenic activities drive the loss of biodiversity, necessitating conservation, but humans must be a part of the solution; 2) Preservation, maintenance, enhancement, restoration and sustainable use are all elements of conservation. The difference between preservation and conservation is clarified. The paper assesses gaps in current conservation measures, as: 1) lack of practice of true conservation in Sri Lanka that includes all its elements; 2) lack of focus on landscape-scale conservation; 3) lack of focus outside protected areas; 4) lack of negotiation with decision-makers using a tender that is understood by them; 5) lack of congruence between conservation knowledge and conservation practice; 6) complacency with regard to Red Listing™; 7) inadequate prioritisation of conservation research; 8) inadequate predictive research; 9) lack of research on the impact of climate change on species and ecosystems; and 10) focus on a sectoral, rather than a holistic approach. The paper concludes by providing recommendations for future actions.

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“…The South Asian tropical island of Sri Lanka is rich in amphibian diversity (Meegaskumbura et al, 2002). Of the country's 119 described amphibian species 104 (c. 87%) are endemic and > 90% are restricted to rainforests (Surasinghe, 2009; Wickramasinghe et al, 2015). Sri Lanka's amphibians are threatened by deforestation, environmental pollution and road traffic (Pethiyagoda et al, 2006; Karunarathna et al, 2013).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ecology and demography of the Critically Endangered Kandian torrent toadAdenomus kandianus: a long-lost endemic species of Sri Lanka

Karunarathna¹,

Henkanaththegedara

Gabadage³

et al. 2016

Oryx

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The tropical island nation of Sri Lanka is a biodiversity hotspot with a high diversity and endemism of amphibians. The endemic, stream-dwelling Kandian torrent toadAdenomus kandianusis Critically Endangered and was considered to be extinct until its rediscovery in 2012. The species is now known from two localities in tropical montane forests. We conducted a 4-year study using transect surveys and opportunistic excursions to assess habitat associations, demographics and abundance ofA. kandianusin and around Pidurutalagala Conservation Forest. We recorded a mean of 44.25 post-metamorphs per year, with a density of < 1 individual per 100 m2, with occurrence within a narrow extent (c. 0.005 km2) of the stream channel. Behaviour and microhabitat selection varied depending on sex and stage of maturity. The species preferred moderately sized montane streams with rocky substrates and woody debris, colder temperatures, and closed-canopy, intact riparian forests. We noted size-based reversed sexual dimorphism and a strong ontogenetic relationship between snout–vent length and body weight. Anthropogenic activities such as intensive crop farming deterred the species; proximity to croplands had a negative influence on abundance. We recommend re-delineation of the boundary of Pidurutalagala Conservation Forest to incorporate the toad's habitat into the core of the reserve and thus limit the impacts of human activities. Conservation and management actions such as ex-situ breeding, population monitoring, and restoration of degraded habitats could also contribute towards the persistence of this toad. Our findings provide useful insights into ecological research on and conservation of range-restricted aquatic amphibians.

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Pseudophilautus dilmah, a new species of shrub frog (Amphibia: Anura: Rhacophoridae) from a threatened habitat Loolkandura in Sri Lanka

Cited by 7 publications

References 11 publications

A new species of the genus Liuixalus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from southern China

A new species of the genus Liuixalus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from southern China

Conservation Revisited

Ecology and demography of the Critically Endangered Kandian torrent toadAdenomus kandianus: a long-lost endemic species of Sri Lanka

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