Leptopelis calcaratus

Leptopelis calcaratus is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae.^[1][2][4][5] It is found in southeastern Nigeria, Cameroon, the southwestern Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea (including the island of Bioko), Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.^[1][2] Common name Efulen forest treefrog has been coined for it (part of the type series originated from Efulan).^[2][4]

Leptopelis calcaratus
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Arthroleptidae
Genus:	Leptopelis
Species:	L. calcaratus
Binomial name
Leptopelis calcaratus (Boulenger, 1906)
Synonyms[2]
Hylambates calcaratus Boulenger, 1906[3]

Taxonomy

Leptopelis calcaratus was described by the Belgian-British zoologist George Albert Boulenger in 1906 based on a specimen collected from "Efulen" in Cameroon (holotype), with additional specimens from "Cape St. John and the Rio Benito District" in Equatorial Guinea; he had previously identified the latter as Leptopelis rufus.^[3][2] Subspecies Leptopelis calcaratus meridionalis from south of the Congo River was described by Raymond Laurent in 1973.^[2][4]

Description

Adult males measure 35–42 mm (1.4–1.7 in) and females 46–57 mm (1.8–2.2 in) in snout–vent length. This species has a characteristic white spur on the heel. The dorsum is greyish with a dark, backward-pointing triangle on the head, and a broad dark dorsal band that is often split up into bars or lateral spots. There is also often a white spot under the eye. The canthus rostralis is angular. Webbing in the feet is extensive.^[4][5]

L. c. meridionalis differs from the nominate subspecies by the spur on the heel being less developed, by having more extensive webbing, and by other small morphological differences.^[4][5]

Habitat and conservation

Leptopelis calcaratus is an arboreal frog found in lowland and montane rainforests at elevations from near sea level to 1,500 m (4,900 ft) above sea level, possibly higher. It does not survive in secondary habitats. If similar to other species of Leptopelis, it would lay eggs in a nest on the ground near water. It is a common species but its habitat is affected by habitat loss caused by agricultural expansion, logging, and human settlements. It occurs in a number of protected areas, including the Korup National Park (Cameroon), Monte Alén National Park (Equatorial Guinea), and Dzanga-Ndoki National Park (Central African Republic).^[1]