White-snouted reed frog  (Hyperolius frontalis)

Classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List (1).

Hyperolius frontalis has a conspicuous light golden triangle adorning its snout. The rest of its body is predominately bright, translucent green, with slight mottling over a smooth back (2). Like other species within the genus, Hyperolius frontalis has expanded toe pads and fairly long legs that make it an adept climber (3) (4). The call of this species is a brief, hard buzzing, repeated two to three times (2).

Hyperolius frontalis occurs in the Albertine Rift, one of the richest sites for biodiversity in Africa (1) (5). Although the Albertine Rift stretches through several central African countries, this species only occurs in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and south-western Uganda between 700 and 2,000 metres above sea level (1).

This species is associated with montane forests, and has been found specifically in dense secondary vegetation overhanging a stream and in a small forest marsh (1).

Besides the broad ecological characteristics attributed to many species within the genus, almost nothing is known about the biology of this reed frog. In the wet season the reed frogs tend to gather near water, preferably smaller temporary water bodies, where they breed. However, very little is known of their whereabouts outside the breeding season (6). The clutch of this species comprises around 24 light green eggs in a clear jelly deposited on vegetation over water (2).

As with all other Hyperolius species occurring in the Albertine Rift, the distribution of Hyperolius frontalis is likely to be severely fragmented and its population, despite being reasonably abundant, 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 the principal causes of habitat degradation in the Albertine Rift (1).

There are no known conservation measures for Hyperolius frontalis but it is known to be present in at least two protected areas, Bwindi National Park in Uganda, and Virungas National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (1).

View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

For more information on conservation activities in the Albertine Rift see:

• Wildlife Conservation Society Albertine Rift Programme:
  www.albertinerift.org