Tomopterna gallmanni
Tomopterna gallmanni | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Amphibia |
Order: | Anura |
Family: | Pyxicephalidae |
Genus: | Tomopterna |
Species: | T. gallmanni
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Binomial name | |
Tomopterna gallmanni Wasonga and Channing, 2013
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Tomopterna gallmanni, commonly known as Gallmann's sand frog, is a species of frog in the family Pyxicephalidae. It is a cryptic species endemic to Kenya.
Range and habitat
[edit]Endemic to Kenya, Tomopterna gallmanni is known from the Laikipia Plateau, Baragoi, Maralal, and Naivasha.[1][2] It has been recorded at several protected areas within this range, including Laikipia National Reserve, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Ngare Ndare Forest, and the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.[1][3] It occurs in moist, open grassland, savannah, and woodland habitats at altitudes between 1,300–2,000 m (4,300–6,600 ft) above sea level,[2] and is known to inhabit both man-made and naturally occurring water bodies.[1][3]
Description
[edit]Tomopterna gallmanni is a stout, toad-like frog with a small head and thick legs. The dorsal markings consist of several irregular dark grey patches on a lighter grey background, sometimes with a complete or broken white line running down the back. Brown warts with black borders are present on the dorsum and sides. The underside is a creamy white colour that becomes pinkish on the palms and around the vent.[3] T. gallmanni is a cryptic species that closely resembles other species in the genus Tomopterna.[3][4] It can be differentiated from similar species by its smooth ventral surface that becomes coarsely granular towards the thighs and vent.[3] The tadpoles of this species are unknown.[1][3]
Ecology
[edit]The advertisement call of Tomopterna gallmanni consists of a series of notes, each composed of one or two pulses, that resembles a knocking sound.[3][2] Males call from the edges of temporary pools and eggs are laid singly.[2] This species is abundant at breeding sites and has been recorded alongside Ptychadena anchietae and Ptychadena mascareniensis.[3] It is known to burrow underground during periods of persistent dry weather.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2016). "Tomopterna gallmanni". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T76317616A76317948. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T76317616A76317948.en. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Malonza, Patrick Kinyatta; Bwong, Beryl Akoth (2023). A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Kenya. Frankfurter Beiträge zur Naturkunde. Vol. 90. Frankfurt am Main: Edition Chimaira. pp. 595–597. ISBN 3899731263. OCLC 1389484590.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Wasonga, Domnick V.; Channing, Alan (2013). "Identification of sand frogs (Anura: Pyxicephalidae: Tomopterna) from Kenya with the description of two new species". Zootaxa. 3734 (2): 221–240. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.3734.2.7. PMID 25277908.
- ^ Frost, Darrel R. (2024). "Tomopterna gallmanni Wasonga and Channing, 2013". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.2. New York, USA: American Museum of Natural History. doi:10.5531/db.vz.0001. Retrieved 31 May 2025.