Common names:
Fiji Ground Frog [1].
Dreli [2].
Botoniviti [2].
Classification:
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Amphibia
Order - Anura
Family - Ceratobatrachidae
Species - Cornufer vitianus
Distribution:
Cornufer vitianus unbiquitous in Fiji but now only occurs on four isolated and mongoose-free islands; Gau, Taveuni, Ovalau, and Viwa (Figure 2) [1]. They have been found at 0-830m above sea level [2].
Details:
This species is found in a variety of anthropogenic habitats i.e. gardens, plantations etc. but is thought to be a primarily forest-dwelling species [1]. It has also been found close to beaches [1]. They are primarily active at night, while in the day they take shelter under logs, in rock crevices,a and under the leaf litter [2]. This species is not dependent on water and breeds terrestrially [1]. Eggs are laid in moist organic matter such as rotten logs or coconut husks - they lay up to 40 eggs at a time [2]. Juveniles are found throughout the year, with a peak around in March-June, indicating the reproduction occurs year-round [2]. The eggs directly develop into froglets after about 4-5 weeks, it is though that the males guard the eggs [2].
Threats to the species:
Introduced species (mongoose) [1].
Similar species:
References:
[1] IUCN Red List. (2004). Fiji Ground Frog, Cornufer vitianus. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/17518/84680701. [Accessed 5 May 2019].
[2] AmphibiaWeb. (2009). Cornufer vitianus. [ONLINE] Available at: https://amphibiaweb.org/species/4920 [Accessed 5 May 2019].
Photo: Ryan Photographic. (n.d.). Ceratobatrachidae - Asian and Pacific direct development frogs. [ONLINE]. Available at: http://www.ryanphotographic.com/ceratobatrachidae.htm#guppyi. [Accessed 5 May 2019].
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