Description
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Rana longicrus is a medium-sized frog, with a maximum SVL of 55 mm; females are larger than males. The snout is pointed in lateral view and acute in dorsal view. R. longicrus has a long narrow body with slender limbs. Fingers and toes are rounded, but do not have enlarged tips. The skin has a smooth texture with indistinct small black bumps (Lue 1990). Female Rana longicrus are bright red, while males are yellow or brown. On the head, black stripes are present near the eyes. Lips are black with white spots all over. On the dorsum, black spots form the shape of the Chinese character for "eight". Front and hind legs have crossbars (Lue 1990). The tadpole of Rana longicrus has a rounded body, small mouthparts, and a high tail fin. Two black spots are visible on the dorsum (Kuramoto et al. 1984).
- Kuramoto, M., Wang, C. S., and Yu, H. T. (1984). ''Breeding, larval morphology and experimental hybridization of Taiwanese brown frogs, Rana longicrus and R. sauteri.'' Journal of Herpetology, 18(4), 387-395.
- Lue, K.-Y. (1990). The Amphibians and Reptiles of Taiwan. The Council of Agriculture, Taiwan. R.O.C.
- Mao, S. (1970). ''Food of the common venomous snakes of Taiwan.'' Herpetologica, 26(1), 45-48.
Distribution and Habitat
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Northern and central parts of Taiwan. Rana longicrus has a fragmented distribution (Stuart et al. 2008) and is more abundant in the northern parts of Taiwan, primarily in the mid-mountain ranges (Lue 1990). It has been recorded below 1000 m asl, in broadleaf forest as well as in cultivated fields (Stuart et al. 2008).
Life History, Abundance, Activity, and Special Behaviors
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In daytime, Rana longicrus hides in shrubs near water bodies. When approached by potential predators, Rana longicrus will leap into the water. This frog is usually found both singly and in groups (Lue 1990). It breeds in ponds, marshes, and pools (Stuart et al. 2008).Rana longicrus is commonly preyed upon by snakes in Taiwan, especially during the warmer summer months (Mao 1970).
Life History, Abundance, Activity, and Special Behaviors
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This frog is rare and its population is declining. It occurs within one protected area, Yangming San National Park (Stuart et al. 2008).
Rana longicrus
provided by wikipedia EN
Rana longicrus, also known as the Taipa frog or long-legged brown frog, is a species of frog in the family Ranidae. It is distributed to northern and central Taiwan.[2]
Description
Rana longicrus is a slender-bodied frog with relatively long legs. Males measure 42–56 mm (1.7–2.2 in) and females 58–65 mm (2.3–2.6 in) in snout–vent length.[3]
Reproduction
The breeding season in Aoti, northern Taiwan, is from November to March. The smallest mature male measured 33 mm (1.3 in) SVL and smallest gravid female 32 mm (1.3 in) SVL. Both sexes appear to reach this size by the end of their first year. Peak breeding occurred in December but is probably influenced by rain. Egg clutches of 600-2,000 eggs are laid in water. Metamorphosis occurs after about two months. However, survival to metamorphosis is low because of disturbance by human activities (plowing of ricefields) and by the desiccation.[4]
Diet
Rana longicrus feed primarily on arachnids and insect larvae and adults (often ants or beetles). In winter when they spend more time near water also crustaceans are eaten.[4]
Habitat and conservation
Rana longicrus occurs in subtropical broad-leaf forests as well as cultivated fields below 1,000 m (3,300 ft) elevation. Breeding takes place in marshes, pools, and ponds. It is threatened by habitat loss, in particular due to infrastructure development, but also pollution. It is currently protected in the Yangmingshan National Park.[1]
References
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Rana longicrus: Brief Summary
provided by wikipedia EN
Rana longicrus, also known as the Taipa frog or long-legged brown frog, is a species of frog in the family Ranidae. It is distributed to northern and central Taiwan.
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