Order Anura Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Higher classification Nelsonophryne | |
Scientific name Nelsonophryne aequatorialis Similar Microhylidae, Amphibians, Frog, Ctenophryne geayi, Ctenophryne | ||
Ctenophryne aequatorialis (common name: Cuenca Nelson frog, reflecting its earlier placement in Nelsonophryne) is a species of frog in the Microhylidae family. It is endemic to Ecuador and known from the Cuenca basin in Azuay Province southward to Saraguro Canton (northern Loja Province) at elevations of 2,450–2,650 m (8,040–8,690 ft) asl.
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Description
Males measure about 27 mm (1.1 in) and females 37 mm (1.5 in) in snout–vent length. The dorsum has characteristic pattern of dark patches. The toes have basal webbing.
Habitat and conservation
The species inhabits pastures, grassland, agricultural fields, and degraded secondary habitats. They have been collected close to small pools. Eggs are laid in small pools. The tadpoles reach metamorphosis after three months.
Ctenophryne aequatorialis is a common species that is not known to face significant threats; consequently the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) did not consider it threatened in its assessment in 2004. However, in Ecuador it is considered "endangered" because of its relatively small range, few known and presumably fragmented populations, and presumed decline in abundance.