Identification
Size: Females measure 70-75 mm in body length, while males are 60-70 mm.
Appearance: The skin is rough and bumpy, with mottled patterns of mossy green and earthy brown, lacking a fixed shape, resembling a clump of moss. Finger discs are large. Males lack vocal sacs. Fingers lack webbing or have only a small amount between fingers 3 and 4. Toes are fully webbed. The tympanum is smaller than the eye diameter.
Biology and Ecology
Habitat: This species inhabits small limestone caves beneath waterfalls or on rock faces along streams, entirely covered by dense forest canopy at elevations of 900-1600m. It has also been found in rainwater tanks in the basements of old French villas remaining within Tam Dao National Park.
Reproduction: The breeding season is from April to June. Unlike Theloderma stellatum and Theloderma asperum, polygamy has not been observed in this species. Eggs are laid in small clumps of 6-17 eggs, enclosed in a very thick, sticky, gelatinous coating that adheres to the moist ceilings and walls of rock crevices. The total number of eggs laid per clutch can reach 60, divided into 3-5 separate small clumps. The species’ diet has not yet been studied.
Distribution
Vietnam: Cao Bang, Tuyen Quang (Na Hang), Lang Son (Mau Son), Vinh Phuc (Tam Dao)
Global: Endemic to Vietnam.
Significance
This species has scientific and aesthetic value and is considered one of the unique and beautiful frog species. It is the only species within the genus Theloderma listed in the Vietnamese Red Book.
Conservation Status
The distribution area is less than 5000 km2 and is limited to only four locations (Cao Bang, Tuyen Quang, Mau Son, and Tam Dao). The populations are severely fragmented. No further information on the Mau Son population has been gathered since the initial observation of the species in the 1930s.
Assessment
EN B1+ 2b,c,d.
Conservation Measures
Effective and active conservation measures are needed, including a ban on hunting and any activities that damage the species’ habitat.