Sclerophrys danielae

Sclerophrys danielae is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae. It is endemic to the southwest coast of Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) and only known from the vicinity of Monogaga, its type locality between Sassandra and San Pedro.[1][2] Last seen in around 1977, Sclerophrys danielae is one the frogs declared as "Lost" in 2010.[4] Common name Ivory Coast toad has been coined for it.[1][2][5]

Ivory Coast toad

Data Deficient  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Bufonidae
Genus: Sclerophrys
Species:
S. danielae
Binomial name
Sclerophrys danielae
(Perret, 1977)
Synonyms[2]

Bufo danielae Perret, 1977[3]
Amietophrynus danielae (Perret, 1977)

Etymology

This species was discovered by Dr Danièle Murith, who was a parasitologist and who worked at the Swiss Center of Research in Ivory Coast. The specific name danielae is in her honor.[3][5]

Description

Adult males measure 33–45 mm (1.3–1.8 in) and adult females 44–46 mm (1.7–1.8 in) in snout–vent length. The overall appearance is moderately slender. The tympanum is distinct. The parotoid glands are small but distinct. The toes are moderately webbed. The dorsal pattern consists of symmetrically arranged dark spots that can merge into larger blotches. These get almost hidden when the background color is earth-brown but are conspicuous against yellowish brown background; it appears that individuals can adjust their coloration to external conditions.[3]

Habitat and conservation

Sclerophrys danielae has been collected from two localities. In Monogaga, it was found in the coastal zone, amidst Panicum repens grass and low in and under Dalbergia ecastaphyllum bushes. In the inland locality near Sassandra, it was found in a flooded coconut plantation.[3]

Despite surveys in the area, this species has not been observed, suggesting that it is very rare. Its range overlaps with the Monogaga Classified Forest,[1] which is managed partly as a protected area, partly as an agricultural area where farmers are allowed to grow crops.[6] Threats to this species are unknown.[1]

References
  1. IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2016). "Sclerophrys danielae". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T54624A107345306. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T54624A107345306.en.
  2. Frost, Darrel R. (2018). "Sclerophrys danielae (Perret, 1977)". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
  3. Perret, J-L (1977). "Une nouvelle espèce de crapaud africain: Bufo danielae de Côte d'Ivoire". Revue Suisse de Zoologie (in French). 84: 237–245. doi:10.5962/bhl.part.91384.
  4. "The Search for Lost Frogs". amphibians.org. Amphibian Specialist Group (ASG) and Amphibian Survival Alliance (ASA). 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
  5. Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael & Grayson, Michael (2013). The Eponym Dictionary of Amphibians. Pelagic Publishing. p. 51. ISBN 978-1-907807-42-8.
  6. Adou Yao, C. Y. & Roussel, Barnard (2007). "Forest management, farmers' practices and biodiversity conservation in the Monogaga Protected Coastal Forest in southwest Côte d'Ivoire". Africa. 77 (1): 63–85. doi:10.3366/afr.2007.77.1.63.
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