Albertine Rift reed frog (Hyperolius discodactylus)
Facts
| Also known as: | Highland reed frog |
|---|---|
| Previously known as: | Hyperolius alticola |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Amphibia |
| Order | Anura |
| Family | Hyperoliidae |
| Genus | Hyperolius (1) |
| Size |
Male length: 29 - 33 mm (2) |
Status
Classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List (1).
Description
The Albertine Rift reed frog is one of at least nine Hyperolius species endemic to the Albertine Rift, one of the richest sites for biodiversity in Africa (1) (3). In common with all species within this genus, it has moderately long-limbs and large toe pads that aid its largely arboreal lifestyle (4) (5). The smooth back of this species varies in colour between brown and orange and is sometimes dotted with diffuse dark spots. Underneath it is bright orange except for the male vocal sac which is bright green (2). The call of the male Albertine Rift reed frog is a fairly long buzzing (2).
Range
Found in the Albertine Rift, encompassing parts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, western Rwanda, western Burundi, and south-western Uganda (1).
 | View a distribution map for this species at UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre. |
Habitat
The Albertine Rift reed frog occurs in rivers and streams in montane forests.
Biology
Very little is known about the Albertine Rift reed frog or indeed about most of the species within the genus. All Hyperolius species are generally arboreal and nocturnal, but sleep day and night throughout the dry months, only emerging with the onset of the rainy season to feed on mosquitoes and gnats (6). Most Hyperolius species produce unpigmented eggs that are deposited in a gelatinous mass on vegetation above water (4) (5).
Threats
In common with other reed frogs endemic to the Albertine Rift, the distribution of the Albertine Rift reed frog is severely fragmented and its population is probably declining because of a decrease in the quality and extent of its habitat. Wood extraction, habitat conversion for agriculture and encroaching human settlement are thought to be principally responsible for habitat degradation in the Albertine Rift (1).
Conservation
There are no known conservation measures for the Albertine Rift reed frog but it is known to be present in at least three protected areas, Bwindi National Park and Ruwenzori Mountains National Park in Uganda, and Virungas National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (1).
 | Shell International, The Shell Foundation and The University of Queensland have been working with a number of natural World Heritage sites through UNESCO's "Enhancing Our Heritage" programme. |
Further Information
For more information on conservation activities in the Albertine Rift see:
- Wildlife Conservation Society Albertine Rift Programme:
www.albertinerift.org
Authentication
This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
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Arboreal: An animal which lives or spends a large amount of time in trees.
Endemic: A species or taxonomic group that is only found in one particular country or geographic area.
Nocturnal: Active at night.
References
- IUCN Red List (April, 2008)
http://www.iucnredlist.org/ - AmphibiaWeb (November, 2008)
http://amphibiaweb.org - Wildlife Conservation Society Albertine Rift Programme (November, 2008)
http://www.albertinerift.org - Halliday, T. and Adler, K. (2002) The New Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
- Duellman, W.E. and Trueb, L. (1994) Biology of Amphibians. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore.
- Behler, J.L. and Behler, D.A. (2005) Frogs: A Chorus of Colors. Sterling Publishing Company, New York.
