Ohler's Spiny Frog Latest News
Ohler’s Spiny Frog, a newly discovered large stout frog with spiny chest, was found at a waterfall in Vietnam—over 4 inches long, challenges conservation norms.
About Ohler's Spiny Frog
- Ohler’s Spiny Frog refers to large, robust frogs within the Quasipaa or related genera, which are known for their spiny chests and large size.
- These frogs are primarily found in fast-flowing streams of evergreen forests in Southeast Asia and the Himalayan foothills.
- Habitat: Rocky streams in evergreen forests, particularly in northern Vietnam, southern China, and the Himalayan region.
- Key Features:
- Stout body with rough, spiny tubercles on chest (in males), toes are partially webbed
- Males develop throat and chest spines during breeding, a characteristic linked to spiny frog identification
- Skin colouration is dark brown with yellowish mottling; eyes are dark greenish.
- Size reaches a snout-vent length exceeding 10 cm (typically 7–8 cm).
- Significance
- Ecological Value: Adds to biodiversity and underlines the ecological uniqueness of waterfall ecosystems
- Conservation Insight: Highlights the need for habitat protection in Vietnam, especially for stream-dwelling amphibians
- Research Contribution: Supports regional biogeography studies of Dicroglossidae frogs across Indo-Asia.
Source: NT
Ohler's Spiny Frog FAQs
Q1: What is the significance of the latest discovery of a new large spiny frog species?
Ans: The discovery highlights the still-underexplored biodiversity of Asia’s forests and streams and underscores the need for conservation efforts to protect these unique amphibians.
Q2: Where are Ohler’s Spiny Frogs typically found?
Ans: They are found in rocky streams of evergreen forests in northern Vietnam, southern China, and the Himalayan foothills.
