Frogs of Borneo: A Comprehensive and Illustrated PDF Guide
Frogs of Borneo PDF Downloadl
If you are interested in learning more about the amazing diversity and beauty of frogs in Borneo, you might want to download a PDF guide that covers more than 100 species of these fascinating amphibians. In this article, we will tell you why frogs of Borneo are important for biodiversity, ecology and conservation; how many species there are and how they are classified; what are the main families and genera of frogs in Borneo and their characteristics; how to identify frogs of Borneo by their morphology, coloration and vocalization; where to find frogs of Borneo in different regions, habitats and seasons; and how to download a PDF guide on frogs of Borneo from reliable sources. Let's get started!
Frogs Of Borneo Pdf Downloadl
Why are frogs of Borneo important?
Frogs are among the most diverse and abundant vertebrates on Earth. They play a vital role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by controlling insect populations and serving as food for other animals. Frogs are also indicators of environmental health because they are sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity, water quality and pollution. Frogs can also provide valuable information for biologists and medical researchers by revealing evolutionary patterns and potential applications for medicine.
Borneo is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. It is home to more than 15% of all known frog species. Frogs of Borneo are important for the conservation of this rich natural heritage. They represent a unique evolutionary history that spans millions of years. They also reflect the complex interactions between geography, climate and ecology that shape the diversity and distribution of life on this island. Frogs of Borneo are threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation, degradation and conversion; overexploitation for food and pet trade; invasive species; diseases; climate change and pollution. Protecting frogs of Borneo is essential for preserving the integrity and functionality of their ecosystems and the services they provide for humans and other living beings.
How many species of frogs are there in Borneo?
The exact number of frog species in Borneo is not known because taxonomy is an active research field that constantly updates and revises the classification of living organisms. However, according to the website Frogs of Borneo, which is dedicated to the frogs of East Malaysia (Borneo) and their larval forms, there are currently more than 100 species of frogs in Borneo, belonging to eight families and 28 genera. This number is likely to increase in the future as new discoveries are made and new species are described.
Frogs of Borneo are distributed across the island, but not evenly. Some regions have more species than others, depending on factors such as elevation, rainfall, vegetation and human disturbance. The highest diversity of frogs in Borneo is found in the lowland rainforests, followed by the montane forests and the peat swamps. The lowest diversity is found in the coastal areas and the dry dipterocarp forests. Some frog species are endemic to Borneo, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. Some examples are the Bornean horned frog (Megophrys nasuta), the Kinabalu giant red leech frog (Hydrophylax raniceps) and the Bornean flat-headed frog (Barbourula kalimantanensis).
What are the main families and genera of frogs in Borneo?
The eight families of frogs in Borneo are: Bombinatoridae (Firebellied Toads), Bufonidae (True Toads), Ceratobatrachidae (no vernacular name), Dicroglossidae (True Frogs I), Megophryidae (Litter frogs), Microhylidae (Narrow-Mouthed Frogs), Ranidae (True Frogs II) and Rhacophoridae (Afro-Asian Tree Frogs). Each family has its own distinctive features and adaptations that allow them to survive and thrive in different habitats and niches. Here is a brief overview of each family and some of their representative genera and species.
Bombinatoridae (Firebellied Toads)
This family contains only one genus and one species in Borneo: the Bornean fire-bellied toad (Bombina maxima). This small frog has a bright orange-red belly that contrasts with its dark brown back. It lives in streams and ponds in montane forests, where it feeds on insects and other small animals. It has a loud call that sounds like a series of short barks. It can secrete a toxic substance from its skin when threatened by predators.
Bufonidae (True Toads)
This family contains six genera and 14 species in Borneo. They are characterized by having dry, warty skin; short legs; parotoid glands behind their eyes that produce toxins; and no teeth. They live in various habitats, from lowland rainforests to montane forests, from peat swamps to limestone caves. They feed on insects, worms, snails and other small animals. They have a variety of calls, from croaks to whistles to trills. Some examples are the common Asian toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus), the harlequin tree toad (Pedostibes hosii) and the Sabah earless toad (Phrynoidis aspera).
Ceratobatrachidae (no vernacular name)
This family contains only one genus and one species in Borneo: the Bornean horned frog (Megophrys nasuta). This large frog has a pair of triangular projections above its eyes that resemble horns. It has a cryptic brown coloration that blends with the leaf litter on the forest floor, where it ambushes its prey, mainly insects, spiders and other frogs. It has a loud call that sounds like a deep honk. It is endemic to Borneo.
Dicroglossidae (True Frogs I)
This family contains seven genera and 19 species in Borneo. They are characterized by having smooth or granular skin; long legs; webbed feet; teeth on their upper jaw; and tympana (ear drums) that are visible or hidden. They live in various habitats, from lowland rainforests to montane forests, from streams to ponds to rice fields. They feed on insects, worms, crustaceans and other small animals. They have a variety of calls, from chirps to clicks to quacks. Some examples are the Malayan horned frog (Limnonectes blythii), the Kinabalu giant red leech frog (Hydrophylax raniceps) and the marbled slender-toed frog (Fejervarya limnocharis).
Megophryidae (Litter frogs)
This family contains four genera and 19 species in Borneo. They are characterized by having rough or spiny skin; short legs; no webbing on their feet; teeth on their upper and lower jaws; and tympana that are hidden or absent. They live mainly in leaf litter on the forest floor, where they camouflage themselves and wait for their prey, mainly insects and other frogs. They have a variety of calls, from squeaks to grunts to booms. Some examples are the Bornean horned frog (Megophrys nasuta), the Bornean flat-headed frog (Barbourula kalimantanensis) and the Bornean spadefoot toad (Leptobrachella mjobergi).
Microhylidae (Narrow-Mouthed Frogs)
This family contains six genera and 16 species in Borneo. They are characterized by having smooth or granular skin; short legs; narrow mouths; no teeth; and tympana that are visible or hidden. They live in various habitats, from lowland rainforests to montane forests, from peat swamps to limestone caves. They feed on termites, ants and other small insects. They have a variety of calls, from peeps to trills to buzzes. Some examples are the painted chorus frog (Microhyla butleri), the Bornean rice frog (Microhyla borneensis) and the Bornean narrow-mouthed frog (Kalophrynus interlineatus).
Ranidae (True Frogs II)
This family contains two genera and 11 species in Borneo. They are characterized by having smooth or granular skin; long legs; webbed feet; teeth on their upper jaw; and tympana that are visible or hidden. They live in various habitats, from lowland rainforests to montane forests, from streams to ponds to rice fields. They feed on insects, worms, crustaceans and other small animals. They have a variety of calls, from croaks to whistles to barks. Some examples are the common green frog (Hylarana erythraea), the Bornean stream frog (Hylarana raniceps) and the Bornean wood frog (Lithobates saurii).
Rhacophoridae (Afro-Asian Tree Frogs)
This family contains two genera and 18 species in Borneo. They are characterized by having smooth or granular skin; long legs; webbed feet with enlarged toe pads; no teeth; and tympana that are visible or hidden. They live mainly in trees and shrubs in lowland and montane forests, where they feed on insects and other small animals. They have a variety of calls, from chirps to whines to creaks. Some examples are the Wallace's flying frog (Rhacophorus nigropalmatus), the Harlequin flying frog (Rhacophorus pardalis) and the Bornean tree-hole frog (Chiromantis inexpectatus).
How to identify frogs of Borneo?
Identifying frogs of Borneo can be challenging because some species look very similar to each other or have variable color patterns. However, there are some features that can help you distinguish different frogs of Borneo, such as:
Morphology: The shape and size of the body, head, eyes, snout, limbs, fingers and toes can give clues about the identity of a frog. For example, some frogs have triangular projections above their eyes (Bornean horned frog), some have spines on their back (Bornean spadefoot toad), some have enlarged toe pads (Afro-Asian tree frogs) and some have flattened heads (Bornean flat-headed frog).
Coloration: The color and pattern of the skin can also help you identify a frog. For example, some frogs have bright colors on their belly or limbs (Bornean fire-bellied toad, Harlequin flying frog), some have stripes or spots on their back (Malayan horned frog, painted chorus frog) and some have cryptic colors that match their habitat (Bornean horned frog, Bornean flat-headed frog).
Vocalization: The sound that a frog makes can also help you identify it. For example, some frogs have loud and distinctive calls (Bornean horned frog, Kinabalu giant red leech frog), some have soft and high-pitched calls (painted chorus frog, Bornean narrow-mouthed frog) and some have complex and variable calls (common green frog, Wallace's flying frog).
To identify frogs of Borneo, you can use online resources such as the website Frogs of Borneo, which provides biological information, color images and sound recordings of more than 100 species of frogs in Borneo. You can also use field guides such as The Frogs of Borneo by Alexander Haas, Indraneil Das and Stefan T. Hertwig, which is a comprehensive and illustrated book that covers the taxonomy, natural history and conservation of frogs in Borneo.
Where to find frogs of Borneo?
Frogs of Borneo can be found in different regions, habitats and seasons on the island. Here are some tips on where to find them:
Regions: The island of Borneo is divided into four political regions: Brunei, Kalimantan (Indonesia), Sabah (Malaysia) and Sarawak (Malaysia). Each region has its own diversity and distribution of frogs. For example, some frogs are endemic to a certain region (Bornean flat-headed frog in Kalimantan, Sabah earless toad in Sabah) and some frogs are more common or rare in a certain region (Bornean horned frog in Sabah and Sarawak, Kinabalu giant red leech frog in Sabah).
Habitats: Frogs of Borneo can be found in various habitats, from lowland rainforests to montane forests, from peat swamps to limestone caves. Each habitat has its own diversity and distribution of frogs. For example, some frogs are adapted to a specific habitat (Bornean flat-headed frog in fast-flowing streams, Bornean tree-hole frog in tree holes) and some frogs are more common or rare in a certain habitat (Bornean fire-bellied toad in montane forests, Bornean spadefoot toad in dry dipterocarp forests).
Seasons: Frogs of Borneo can be found in different seasons, depending on the rainfall and temperature patterns on the island. Each season has its own diversity and distribution of frogs. For example, some frogs are active throughout the year (common Asian toad, common green frog) and some frogs are more active or less active in a certain season (Bornean horned frog in the wet season, Bornean flat-headed frog in the dry season).
To find frogs of Borneo, you can visit various natural areas on the island, such as national parks, wildlife reserves, botanical gardens and ecotourism sites. You can also join guided tours or expeditions that specialize in amphibian observation and photography. You can also search for frogs of Borneo at night, when they are more active and vocal.
How to download a PDF guide on frogs of Borneo?
If you want to download a PDF guide on frogs of Borneo, you have several options. Here are some sources and links that you can use:
The website Frogs of Borneo offers a free PDF download of its content. You can access it here: https://www.frogsofborneo.org/download.html. This PDF guide covers more than 100 species of frogs in Borneo, with biological information, color images and sound recordings.
The book The Frogs of Borneo by Alexander Haas, Indraneil Das and Stefan T. Hertwig is available for purchase as a PDF or hard copy from the publisher's website: https://www.nhbs.com/the-frogs-of-borneo-book. This PDF guide covers the taxonomy, natural history and conservation of frogs in Borneo.
The book A Field Guide to the Frogs of Borneo by Robert F. Inger and Robert Stuebing is available for purchase as a PDF or hard copy from the publisher's website: https://www.nhbs.com/a-field-guide-to-the-frogs-of-borneo-book. This PDF guide covers the identification, distribution and ecology of frogs in Borneo.
To download a PDF guide on frogs of Borneo, you need to have a device that can access the internet and read PDF files. You also need to have enough storage space on your device or an external drive. You also need to respect the copyrights and terms of use of each source.
Conclusion
Frogs of Borneo are a diverse and fascinating group of amphibians that deserve our attention and appreciation. They play a vital role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems and providing valuable information for science and medicine. They also represent a unique evolutionary history and a rich natural heritage that is threatened by various human activities. By learning more about frogs of Borneo and downloading a PDF guide on them, you can help to raise awareness and support conservation efforts for these amazing animals.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about frogs of Borneo:
Q: What is the difference between a frog and a toad?
A: Frogs and toads are both amphibians that belong to the order Anura. However, they have some differences in their appearance and behavior. Generally, frogs have smooth or moist skin, long legs, webbed feet and live near water. Toads have dry or warty skin, short legs, no webbing on their feet and live on land.
Q: What is the largest frog in Borneo?
A: The largest frog in Borneo is the Kinabalu giant red leech frog (Hydrophylax raniceps), which can grow up to 15 cm in length. It lives in montane forests and feeds on leeches and other small animals.
Q: What is the smallest frog in Borneo?
A: The smallest frog in Borneo is the Bornean pygmy frog (Microhyla nepenthicola), which can grow up to 1.5 cm in length. It lives in pitcher plants and feeds on ants and other small insects.
Q: What is the most colorful frog in Borneo?
A: The most colorful frog in Borneo is the Harlequin flying frog (Rhacophorus pardalis), which has a bright green back with black spots and a yellow belly with red spots. It lives in trees and can glide from branch to branch using its webbed feet.
Q: What is the most endangered frog in Borneo?
A: The most endangered frog in Borneo is the Bornean flat-headed frog (Barbourula kalimantanensis), which is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List. It lives in fast-flowing streams and has no lungs, relying on its skin for respiration. It is threatened by habitat loss, pollution and overharvesting for food.
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