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Current Herpetology
Abstract
Abstract:
I describe a new frog of the microhylid genus Oreophryne from the mountains of southeastern Papua New Guinea that is unique in its combination of having a ligamentous connection between the procoracoid and scapula, webbing that reaches to the middle or distal to the penultimate tubercle of the fifth toe, fifth and third toes subequal in length, largely unpatterned dark-brown dorsum, and an advertisement call consisting of rapidly delivered unpulsed notes that sounds to the human ear like a rattle. The new species is known from the uplands of Cape Nelson and from the nearby Mt. Dayman/Mt. Suckling massif. Although its total range is relatively small, it inhabits remote high-quality rainforests that are largely undisturbed by humans at this time, although rapid climate change could pose a future threat to the species. Sixteen endemic Oreophryne species are now reported from Milne Bay Province.
I thank M. Hagemann (BPBM) for loans of specimens; V. Abinsafitoa, W. Aigo, J. Anamiato, G. Butumursakor, E. Gagomin, G. Hast, B. Iova, B. Janiger, and all the assorted folks from Bonenau and Yamsiai for their helpful assistance in the field; A. Kakayo, B. Yawi, and the Tufi Dive Resort for logistical assistance; E. Gagomin and J. Kakayo for permission to work on their lands; T. Lee for providing access to the photo-montage system used to photograph the holotypes; S. Myers for compiling Fig. 1 ; the PNG National Museum and Art Gallery for providing in-country collaborative assistance; and the PNG Department of Environment and Conservation, PNG National Research Institute, and Milne Bay and Oro Provincial governments for permission to conduct this work. This research was supported by National Science Foundation grants DEB 0743890 and DEB 1145453.
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