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Title: A new forest frog of the genus Platymantis (Amphibia: Anura: Ceratobatrachidae: subgenus Tirahanulap) from Leyte and Samar islands, eastern Philippines
We describe a new species of frog of the genus Platymantis Günther (subgenus Tirahanulap), from the east-central regions of the Philippines. It belongs to the the previously-defined P. hazelae Group) based on morphological and bioacoustic datasets. The new species is phenotypically and ecologically most similar to members of Tirahanulap, an assemblage of small-bodied arboreal frogs inhabiting montane forests of the central and northern islands of the Philippine archipelago. The new species represents the first taxon in the Cloud Frog species known from the biogeographically unique Mindanao Pleistocene Aggregate Island Complex. Particularly susceptible to local extirpation following deforestation, all known species of Tirahanulap are important indicator species for environmental and conservation assessments, making this new species not only an exceptional addition to Philippine biodiversity but also an important symbol for conservation initiatives in the region.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1654388 1657648
NSF-PAR ID:
10222891
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Zootaxa
Volume:
4830
Issue:
3
ISSN:
1175-5326
Page Range / eLocation ID:
573 to 591
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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