Polypedates megacephalus

Polypedates megacephalus
Adult at Wu Kau Tang Country Trail
(New Territories, Hong Kong)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Suborder: Neobatrachia
Family: Rhacophoridae
Genus: Polypedates
Species: P. megacephalus
Binomial name
Polypedates megacephalus
Hallowell, 1861

Polypedates megacephalus, the Hong Kong Whipping Frog[2] or Spot-legged Tree Frog,[3] is a species in the shrub frog family (Rhacophoridae). In its native range, it is also called "brown tree frog", but this name is otherwise applied to a species of the true tree frog family (Hylidae).

Distribution and ecology

This species is native in central, southern and southwestern China, e.g. Hainan, Hong Kong and Macau. The species is supported in many protected areas in China. P. megacephalus is generally found north of the Red River of Vietnam and in Northeast India, while Polypedates leucomystax is generally found south of the Red River and in western Yunnan.[1]

In Hong Kong, this species was recorded on Kau Sai Chau, Sai Kung in an environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the proposed golf course on the island.[4]

It has also recently been recorded from northern West Siang District, in Arunachal Pradesh, and from Watiyem, in Nagaland, in India. It is also known from Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve in India.[1]

It is also found in Taiwan, and has been introduced to Japan.[5]

This frog is listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution in Asia and its tolerance of a broad range of habitats. It also because of its presumed large population.[1]

References

Media related to Polypedates megacephalus at Wikimedia Commons

  1. 1 2 3 4 Michael Wai Neng Lau; Chou Wenhao; Yang Datong & Annemarie Ohler (2009). "Polypedates megacephalus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 22 December 2012.
  2. ↑ BIODIVERSITY INFORMATION SHARING SERVICE (BISS)
  3. ↑ Amphibian Species of the World 4.0, an Online Reference
  4. ↑ Porcupine! 23 - Vertebrates--New reptile and amphibian records for Kau Sai Chau, Sai Kung
  5. ↑ AmphibiaWeb:Polypedates megacephalus


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