Hyperolius picturatus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Hyperoliidae
Genus: Hyperolius
Species:
H. picturatus
Binomial name
Hyperolius picturatus
Peters, 1875
Synonyms

Rappia picturata (Peters, 1875)
Hyperolius festivus Barbour and Loveridge, 1927

Hyperolius picturatus is a species of frog in the family Hyperoliidae. It is found in northern and eastern Sierra Leone, southern Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, and Ghana;[1][2][3][4] its range might extend to Togo.[1] Common names coined for this species are Tanzania reed frog (although it does not occur in Tanzania) and variable montane sedge frog.[2][3]

Taxonomy

Hyperolius picturatus is a very variable species.[4] It might be composed of two cryptic species that occur in sympatry; the eastern form might be conspecific with Hyperolius baumanni and the western one with Hyperolius occidentalis,[2][4] possibly representing subspecies.[4]

Description

Males measure 21–31 mm (0.83–1.22 in) and females 26–34 mm (1.0–1.3 in) in snout–vent length. Males have an hourglass pattern and/or broad dorsolateral stripes. Females have a uniform dorsum and often broad, light dorsolateral stripes and dark flanks. The pupil is horizontal.[3][4]

The male advertisement call consists of an initial sound followed by a series of clicks.[4]

Habitat and conservation

Hyperolius picturatus typically occur in secondary forest and forest clearings, and where plenty of tall trees remain, also in heavily degraded former forest (farm bush) and sugar cane cultivation. It is present in primary forest close to larger rivers only. Breeding takes place in flowing water, ranging from very small, slow-moving creeks to fast-flowing mountain streams.[1] The males call well-concealed from within bushes and can be very difficult to locate.[4]

Though usually uncommon, it can be locally common. As a somewhat adaptable species, it can be threatened by opening up of its habitat and habitat loss. It is present in many protected areas (e.g., Mont Sângbé National Park, Forêt Classée du Pic de Fon). The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed it as of "Least Concern".[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2013). "Hyperolius picturatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013: e.T56180A18380550. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-2.RLTS.T56180A18380550.en. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 Frost, Darrel R. (2016). "Hyperolius picturatus Peters, 1875". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
  3. 1 2 3 "Hyperolius picturatus Peters, 1875". African Amphibians. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Hyperolius picturatus". AmphibiaWeb: Information on amphibian biology and conservation. [web application]. Berkeley, California: AmphibiaWeb. 2008. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
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