New locality records and call description of the Resplendent Shrub Frog Raorchestes resplendens (Amphibia: Anura: Rhacophoridae) from the Western Ghats, India

Main Article Content

Sandeep Das
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1536-5793
K.P. Rajkumar
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3241-0170
K.A. Sreejith
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6268-3973
M. Royaltata
P.S. Easa

Abstract

Abstract: The Resplendent Shrub Frog, Raorchestes resplendens Biju, Shouche, Dubois, Dutta, & Bossuyt, 2010 is a Critically Endangered species endemic to the Western Ghats and was considered to be restricted to a three-square kilometer patch atop Anamudi summit.  In this study, we report 36 new locations of the species from the Anamalai massif of the southern Western Ghats.  Niche-based prediction modelling suggests that the species is restricted to Anamalai massif.  The call description of this frog is also provided for the first time. The preferred microhabitat of the frog is Chrysopogon grass clumps in the marshy/swampy montane grassland ecosystem. Restricted to a small area with controlled burning management practiced in its habitat, R. resplendens needs immediate attention.

Article Details

Section
Communications
Author Biographies

Sandeep Das, Forest Ecology & Biodiversity Conservation Division, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Kerala 680653, India.

Sandeep Das, Santhi Nivas, Chembukkavu, Thrissur 680020

K.P. Rajkumar, Forest Ecology & Biodiversity Conservation Division, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Kerala 680653, India.

Rajkumar KP, Kundhippadath House, Viswapuram Colony, Coolimuttam, Polpully, Palakkad, Kerala. Pin: 678552

K.A. Sreejith, Forest Ecology & Biodiversity Conservation Division, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Kerala 680653, India.

Sreejith KA
Kalpuzha Mana
Kalloor PO
Vadakkekad
Thrissur, Kerala
679562

M. Royaltata, Forest Ecology & Biodiversity Conservation Division, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Kerala 680653, India.

Royal Tata.M
Padachery village,
Cherangode post,
Pandalur TK,
The Nilgiris, Tamil nadu,
India. Pin:643220

P.S. Easa , Forest Ecology & Biodiversity Conservation Division, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Kerala 680653, India.

Easa PS, Anugraham, Apsara Gardens, Nelliukunu, East Fort PO, Thrissur 680005

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