Bilbo's rain frog

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Bilbo's rain frog
Brevi bag.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Brevicipitidae
Genus: Breviceps
Species:
B. bagginsi
Binomial name
Breviceps bagginsi
Minter, 2003

Bilbo's rain frog (Breviceps bagginsi) is an amphibian species in the family Brevicipitidae, endemic to South Africa. [2] The frog was named after Bilbo Baggins, the main character from The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien. [3] The frog was named as such because the scientist who discovered it (L.R Minter) used to read the novel to his children. [4] Its natural habitats are temperate grasslands and edges of wood plantations, wherein it spends most of its time in its burrow. The species is threatened by construction, maintenance of roads, silviculture, general habitat degradation/habitat loss, and by road traffic. As a result, it is listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. [1]

Contents

Description

Breviceps bagginsi is a microhylid (narrow-mouthed) frog from the family of Brevicipitidae and was discovered in the year 2003. [4] Males range from 20 to 25.9 mm in length, and females measure around 28.7 mm, approximately the diameter of a U.S. quarter. [5] [6] With its highly truncated snout it is well adapted to its burrowing lifestyle. They have a characteristic tympanic membrane and their pupil is horizontally ecliptic. [5] [7] Unlike other frogs, Breviceps males have very short limbs relative to their body size. [8]

The dorsum of Breviceps bagginsi is a medium to dark brown and it has fairly granular skin texture with darkly pigmented tubercles, each containing openings of 2-6 dermal glands. The ventrum (underside) is white with subtle flecks, transitioning to more prominent darker mottling in the throat region. The texture varies from lightly granular to completely smooth. [7] Breviceps bagginsi has a black stripe running from its eye to the origin of its arm. They have a lighter bar between the eyes and a white stripe from their lower eyelid to their mouth. The sides of its body are brown with a few white speckles. [5] The outer toe length is equal to its width and lacks webbing, making it distinguished from other Brevicipitidae. [7]

As a member of the genus Breviceps, Breviceps bagginsi shows sexual dimorphism, and the males are much smaller than the females. [7] [9] The males can also be categorized through their darker tones on their throats compared to their female counterparts. [7]

As all species from Brevicipitidae, Breviceps bagginsi lack sphenethmoids, and a middle ear. [8] Sphenethmoids are the bone of the skull surrounding the anterior end of an amphibian's brain. [10]

Some of the research done to trace back the lineage for Breviceps bagginsi has been labeled cf. to represent the uncertainty of identification to distinguish it from Breviceps Sopranus. [11]

Distribution, habitat and ecology

Breviceps bagginsi only occur in South Africa. They live on edges of wood plantations in Kwazulu-Natal midlands of southeastern South Africa along the mist belt from Boston in the west to Melmoth in the north-east and down to the coast at Mkambati. [12] They occur in an elevation range of 25–1400 m ASL (meters above sea level). [1]

A collection of specimens gathered in Silaka, NR and one other PEM collected about 15 km away from Mkambati, NR have been given the momentary identification of Breviceps bagginsi. This discovery leads to the possibility that the species' distribution is expanding southward, potentially reaching the Port St Johns area. [13]

The Mkambati area is protected due to its biodiversity and therefore high conservation value. The Breviceps bagginsi population in this area lives in undisturbed grasslands. [1] [14]

Currently, their overall presence remains steady but the area they inhabit is decreasing. Their populations are heavily fragmented, and their habitat quality is declining due to forestry operations and road construction and maintenance. [15]

Behavior

Sexual behavior and lifespan

Their mating call has two call bouts sang in a succession of seven to nine whistles in a rapid motion, both at a frequency of 2552 Hz. [5] [7] [9] Males produce their mating call while underneath vegetation and from visible areas on the surface. Due to the frog's sensitivity to dry heat, mating calls last longer during cooler wetter weather. [9] [7]

Because of their mentioned sexual dimorphism and short limbs, they are not able to amplex the females during the process of mating, but with an adhesive secretion they can adhere to the body of the female. [16] While the male remains adhered to the female, she carries him on her back until the pair can find a place to burrow, and the female then lays her clutch of 20-50 eggs in their nest. [9]

Breeding occurs in subterranean nests [17] [18] during spring and summer. [9] Offspring hatch fully developed from eggs directly. [8] Offspring also develop further in the burrows, as rain frogs do not have a free-swimming tadpole stage, and emerge from them once fully mature. [9]

Similar to the other members of Breviceps, Bilbo's rain frog has a life span ranging from 4 to 15 years.

Burrowing/locomotive behavior and defense behavior

Much like the other members of Breviceps, Breviceps bagginsi burrows in subterranean nests underneath the clay loam their habitats usually harbor. [9] The frog stays in the burrow until it is wet enough on the surface for it to come out. [9] Breviceps bagginsi's hind legs and feet are strong and highly adapted for burrowing. When burrowing, the frog buries itself backwards rapidly. [18] [9] Bilbo's rain frog also runs rather than jumping (as do the other members of Breviceps). [19]

When threatened, Breviceps "puff up" to appear larger and more threatening, they do this by inflating their lungs. [18] [20] [8] Breviceps also secrete a sticky white substance from their skin, and sometimes emit a harsh shriek as a defense mechanism. [18]

Feeding behavior and diet

Breviceps bagginsi is both a terrestrial and fossorial amphibian, and therefore it spends a great deal of time in its burrow, but once termites emerge they leave their nests to feed. [9] Breviceps bagginsi is an insectivore, and they also feed upon ants, beetles, moths, woodlice, amphipods, juvenile millipedes, caterpillars, and other small arthropods. [18] [9]

Status

On the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Breviceps bagginsi was listed as data deficient until 2010. In 2017 it was relisted as Near Threatened because of the small area of occurrence (11'000 km2) and the declining area of occupancy, which is only 10% of the occurrence (1'100 km2). Although their occupancy is declining, their occurrence remains the same. Furthermore, Breviceps bagginsi live in extremely fragmented subpopulations and the quality of their habitat is decreasing due to sylviculture and construction and maintenance of roads. [2]

Subpopulation sizes are around 20-30 individuals. Distances between subpopulations are too long to allow dissemination within one generation. [1]

Related Research Articles

<i>Breviceps</i> Genus of amphibians

Breviceps is a genus of frogs in the family Brevicipitidae. Species in the genus Breviceps are commonly known as rain frogs or short-headed frogs. They occur in arid to semiarid climates of Eastern and Southern Africa.

<i>Breviceps acutirostris</i> Species of amphibian

Breviceps acutirostris, also known as common rain frog, strawberry rain frog, or Cape short-headed frog, is a species of frog in the family Brevicipitidae. It is endemic to the southwestern Cape region in South Africa. It is a burrowing frog that lives in fynbos heatland and forests at elevations below 1,600 m (5,200 ft) above sea level. Development is direct . It is threatened by habitat loss, although much of its habitat is also protected.

<i>Breviceps adspersus</i> Species of amphibian

Breviceps adspersus, also known as common rain frog, bushveld rain frog, and many other vernacular names, is a species of frog in the family Brevicipitidae. It is found in Southern Africa, in Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Eswatini, and Mozambique.

<i>Breviceps fichus</i> Species of frog

Breviceps fichus is a species of frog in the family Brevicipitidae. It is endemic to the central highlands of Tanzania. Common name highland rain frog has been proposed for it.

<i>Breviceps fuscus</i> Species of amphibian endemic to South Africa

Breviceps fuscus, also known as black rain frog, plain rain frog, brown short-headed frog, and Tsitsikamma rainfrog, is a species of frogs in the family Brevicipitidae. It is endemic to the southern coast of South Africa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cape rain frog</span> Species of amphibian

The cape rain frog or giant rain frog is a species of frog in the family Brevicipitidae. Adults grow up to 45 mm in length. It was the first African frog species to be scientifically described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, under the name Rana gibbosa. It is the most common and largest of rain frogs. The name "rain frog" that is applied to the genus refers to a belief that these frogs bring rain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Desert rain frog</span> Species of amphibian

The desert rain frog, web-footed rain frog, or Boulenger's short-headed frog is a species of frog in the family Brevicipitidae. It is found in Namibia and South Africa. Its natural habitat is the narrow strip of sandy shores between the sea and the sand dunes. This area is characteristic of loose sand and continuous strong winds, with approximately 60mm of annual precipitation and no surface water. It is threatened with habitat loss by such factors as mining and tourism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mountain rain frog</span> Species of amphibian

The mountain rain frog is a species of frogs in the family Brevicipitidae.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mozambique rain frog</span> Species of amphibian

The Mozambique rain frog, also known as the flat-faced frog, is a species of frog in the family Brevicipitidae. It is found in Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and possibly Lesotho. Its natural habitats are dry savanna, moist savanna, temperate shrubland, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, temperate grassland, subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland, arable land, pasture land and rural gardens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Namaqua rain frog</span> Species of amphibian

The Namaqua rain frog or Namaqua short-headed frog is a species of frogs in the family Brevicipitidae. It is found in Namaqualand in western South Africa and extreme southern Namibia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rose's rain frog</span> Species of amphibian endemic to the Western Cape, South Africa

Rose's rain frog or Rose's rainfrog is a species of frog in the family Brevicipitidae. It is endemic to the sandveld of south-western coastal South Africa. It is less-frequently known as Rose's short-headed frog, Rose's Blaasop, or the sand rain frog. Some treat Breviceps fasciatus as a synonym of this species, although other authorities have expressed doubt.

The whistling rain frog is a species of frogs in the family Brevicipitidae. It is found in South Africa, Eswatini, and possibly Mozambique. Its natural habitats are temperate forests, dry savanna, moist savanna, and sandy shores. It is threatened by habitat loss.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Forest rain frog</span> Species of amphibian

The forest rain frog is a species of frog in the family Brevicipitidae. It is endemic to Limpopo, South Africa. Two allopatric subspecies are recognized: the nominate one, Breviceps sylvestris sylvestris, and Breviceps sylvestris taeniatusPoynton, 1963 from near Soutpansberg. Its natural habitats are temperate forests, temperate grassland, and rural gardens. It is threatened by habitat loss.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plaintive rain frog</span> Species of amphibian

The plaintive rain frog or rough rain frog is a species of frog in the family Brevicipitidae. It is found in Lesotho, South Africa, and Eswatini. Its natural habitats are temperate forests, dry savanna, temperate shrubland, temperate grassland, and rural gardens. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Probreviceps rhodesianus is a species of frog in the family Brevicipitidae. At present, it is only known from three localities in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe north of Mutare; it is thus endemic to that country. However, it is possible that its range extends to adjacent Mozambique. This species has many common names: forest rain frog, highland primitive rain frog, highland rain frog, and Zimbabwe big-fingered frog.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brevicipitidae</span> Family of amphibians

Brevicipitidae or rain frogs is a small family of frogs found in eastern and southern Africa. As of 2020 contains 37 species in 5 genera. Formerly included as subfamily in Microhylidae, phylogenetic research has indicated the brevicipitine frogs should be considered as a family with Hemisotidae as the most closely related sister taxon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ranoidea</span> Superfamily of frogs

The Ranoidea are a superfamily of frogs in the order Anura. Members of this superfamily are characterised by having the pectoral girdle fused into a single complex unit, having no ribs, and using an axillary grip during amplexus. The larvae have a single spiracle on the left side and complex mouthparts, or in some species, undergo direct development. The taxonomy of these families has been under heavy debate for many years. In recent studies, molecular data has been used to better identify the phylogentic relationships of these frogs, rearranging and introducing new subfamilies to better distinguish between large groups of frogs.

<i>Breviceps carruthersi</i> Species of frog

Breviceps carruthersi or the Phinda rain frog or Carruthers' rain frog is a species of frog in the Breviceps genus endemic to South Africa. The Phinda rain frog is also known as Isinana sakwaPhinda in IsiZulu which is the local language spoken in this species' native range. An IsiZulu description of this anuran amphibian species appears in a field guide called A Bilingual Guide to the Frogs of Zululand. This frog was first described by Professor Louis H. du Preez, Doctor Edward C. Netherlands, and Professor Les Minter in 2017, and they named it in honour of the naturalist and author Vincent Caruthers.

Breviceps branchi or Branch's rain frog is a species of frogs endemic to South Africa in the Breviceps genus of frogs.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group.; South African Frog Re-assessment Group; et al. (SA-FRoG) (2017). "Breviceps bagginsi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2017: e.T57713A77162467. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T57713A77162467.en . Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 Frost, Darrel R. (2013). "Names described as 'Breviceps bagginsi'". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 5.6 (9 January 2013). Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  3. ↑ "Tale of a Hobbit frog - Bilbo's Rain Frog". The Gumby Legacy. 2014-09-30. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
  4. 1 2 Joubert, Leonie Skene (2006). Scorched: South Africa's Changing Climate. Wits University Press. p. 86. ISBN   1868144372 . Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Minter, Leslie R. (31 Aug 2010). "Two new cryptic species of breviceps (Anura: Microhylidae) from Southern Africa". African Journal of Herpetology. 52: 9–21. doi:10.1080/21564574.2003.9635473. S2CID   84275858.
  6. ↑ "Coin Specifications". www.usmint.gov. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Preez, Louis du (2017-11-01). Frogs of Southern Africa – A Complete Guide. Penguin Random House South Africa. ISBN   978-1-77584-636-9.
  8. 1 2 3 4 "Brevicipitidae". amphibiaweb.org. Retrieved 2016-04-08.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "AmphibiaWeb - Breviceps bagginsi". amphibiaweb.org. Retrieved 2021-10-24.
  10. ↑ "Definition of SPHENETHMOID". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2021-11-15.
  11. ↑ Nielsen, Stuart V.; Daniels, Savel R.; Conradie, Werner; Heinicke, Matthew P.; Noonan, Brice P. (Sep 2018). "Multilocus phylogenetics in a widespread African anuran lineage (Brevicipitidae: Breviceps ) reveals patterns of diversity reflecting geoclimatic change". Journal of Biogeography. 45 (9): 2067–2079. doi:10.1111/jbi.13394. ISSN   0305-0270.
  12. ↑ "AmphibiaWeb - Breviceps bagginsi". amphibiaweb.org. Retrieved 2021-11-15.
  13. ↑ Venter, Jan A.; Conradie, Werner (2015). "A checklist of the reptiles and amphibians found in protected areas along the South African Wild Coast, with notes on conservation implications". Koedoe. 57 (1): 1–25. doi:10.4102/koedoe.v57i1.1247. ISSN   0075-6458.
  14. ↑ Thembela, Kepe (March 1999). "Creating Grasslands: Social Institutions and Environmental Change in Mkambati Area, South Africa". Human Ecology. 27: 29–53. doi:10.1023/A:1018753216660. S2CID   152834810.
  15. ↑ Carruthers, Vincent (June 2011). "Ensuring a Future for South Africa's Frogs: a Strategy for Conservation Research: edited by G.J. Measey". Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa. 66 (2): 154–154. doi:10.1080/0035919X.2011.586444. ISSN   0035-919X.
  16. ↑ "Breviceps bagginsi". AmphibiaWeb.
  17. ↑ IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group.; South African Frog Re-assessment Group; et al. (SA-FRoG) (2017). "Breviceps bagginsi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2017: e.T57713A77162467. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T57713A77162467.en . Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  18. 1 2 3 4 5 Minter, Leslie Rory (2014-09-18). Aspects of the reproductive biology of Breviceps (Thesis thesis).
  19. ↑ "Cape Rain Frog Facts and Pictures". Amphibian Fact. 2017-04-15. Retrieved 2021-11-14.
  20. ↑ "How do Frogs Defend Themselves?". Archived from the original on 2021-09-04.
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