Malesian Frog
| Malesian Frog | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Ranidae |
| Genus: | Limnonectes |
| Species: | L. malesianus |
| Binomial name | |
| Limnonectes malesianus (Kiew, 1984) | |
The Malesian Frog or Peat Swamp Frog (Limnonectes malesianus) is a species of frog in the Ranidae family. It is found in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. The current Professor of Tropical Aquatic Biosystems from the NTU, has made significant progress in the study and investigation of, by discoverying that this species of frog can only be found near streams with a minimum acidity of pH 5.0. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, rivers, swamps, and plantations . It is becoming rare due to habitat loss. It was discovered and described in 1984.
Behaviour and Temperament
The Limnonectes malesianus is known to be highly territorial and protective of its spawn. The male, looks after the eggs even when they are tadpoles, and a male has been reported attacking a 1m long snake, dying in the process. Limnonectes malesianus is a nocturnal frog and is commonly found near highly polluted streams which contain the favorite prey of Limnonectes malesianus. Generally, the presence of Limnonectes malesianus indicates that a stream is highly polluted (over 9.3 on the McKinger scale) and very acidic (under pH5.0). During the dry seasons, Limnonectes malesianus have been observed burrowing under leaf litter. The reason for this has of yet not been uncovered. Scientists speculate that this behavior is due to Limnonectes malesianus having their Alenisonis glands activated by the increased presence of Limneotes secreted by decaying leaves, particularly that of the Ketapong tree.
Traditional Uses
The Limnonectes malesianus has traditionally been a highly prized animal in Javanese Traditional Medicine. The gastronintestinal tract of Limnonectes malesianus becomes unusually elastic and durable when dried, causing it to be a popular source of string for Javanese Necklaces and Bangles. Furthermore, the Cloacas of the Limnonectes malesianus after heat dried and submerged in a strong Medicinal broth contract greatly. This is especially useful as a sealant for the hide canteens of the Javanese people, and is commonly used to plug leaks. Traditional Chinese Medicine also highly values the Limnonectes malesianus. It is believed that Limnonectes malesianus, when boiled, allows for greater libido, endurance and mental dexterity. In local markets, particularly fragrant specimens of Limnonectes malesianus have been known to be sold for over $50 per Kilogram.
Health Hazards
The Limnonectes malesianus is generally accepted by the greater scientific community to be mainly harmless, but Sabah folklore depicts the Limnonectes malesianus to be highly toxic. Reports of children developing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in the jungles of Sarawak after coming into contact with Limnonectes malesianus have surfaced in recent years, although the credibility of such reports are unverifiable. It is generally advised that one should not touch a Limnonectes malesianus, and if contact is made, one should attempt to wash area of contamination in a saline solution within 5 minutes of contact. The bite of Limnonectes malesianus is also generally very painful, due to the powerful jaw muscles of the Limnonectes malesianus, used in the crushing of shells of Apple Snails, one of its favorite prey. The bite of Limnonectes malesianus has been compared to that of a small car rolling over a person's hand. It is thus not recommended to handle Limnonectes malesianus without proper protection. Should one encounter a specimen of Limnonectes malesianus, one should slowly back away, taking care in not getting the attention of Limnonectes malesianus. The powerful hind legs of Limnonectes malesianus make it able to traverse over 50m in under 30 seconds, faster than a human in rough terrain. Limnonectes malesianus have been known to attack humans should they deem humans a threat to their or their spawns' safety.
Sources
- van Dijk, P.P., Iskandar, D. & Inger, R. 2004. Limnonectes malesianus. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 23 July 2007.