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Raorchestes viridis - Endangered

Updated: May 7, 2019


A photo of Raorchestes viridis.
Figure 1: Raorchestes viridis.

Common names:

  • N/A

Classification:

Kingdom - Animalia

Phylum - Chordata

Class - Amphibia

Order - Anura

Family - Rhacophoridae

Species - Raorchestes viridis

Distribution:

A map of the extant distribution of Roarchestes viridis
Figure 2: The extant distribution of Roarchestes viridis {1}.

Raorchestes viridis is found in a two small locations in the Central Hill Country of Sri Lanka, Agra Bopath and Ambewela (Figure 2) [1]. Occurring at 1555m- 1830m above sea level, it is thought to occur elsewhere outside of these localities but has not been recorded [1].


Details:


This species is dependent on tall vegetation, inhabiting either open or closed canopy forests [1]. They are found in cloud forest and adjacent disturbed, secondary habitats i.e. plantations [1]. They reside at 1-5m in the shrub layer of open canopy vegetation and are found in the canopy of closed canopy forests [1]. This species is not dependent on a water body for survival or breeding [1]. The female digs a hole in the soil top layer, into which she lays her eggs [1]. Use of the forest and the soil in this way, makes them very susceptible to threats such as logging, conversion to agriculture, or chemical applications [1]. 

Threats to the species:

  • Urbanisation and development [1].

  • Cash crop agriculture (tea) [1].

  • Agricultural pollution [1].

 

Similar species:


 

References:

[1] IUCN Red List. (2004). Raorchestes viridis. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/58934/11858905. [Accessed 5 May 2019].

Photo: IUCN Red List. (2004). Raorchestes viridis. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/58934/11858905. [Accessed 5 May 2019].

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