Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Amphibia
- Order: Anura
- Family: Hylidae
- Genus: Isthmohyla
- Species: Isthmohyla rivularis
- Authority: (Taylor, 1952)
Common name
No widely recognized common name is documented for this species; it is generally referred to by its scientific name.
Description
Isthmohyla rivularis is a small to medium-sized treefrog belonging to the family Hylidae. Like other members of the genus, it possesses expanded toe pads adapted for arboreal locomotion. Detailed morphological characteristics (e.g., coloration, skin texture, and size measurements) are described in taxonomic literature but are not extensively summarized in general reference sources.
Distribution and habitat
The species is endemic to Central America, occurring in the mountain ranges of Costa Rica and western Panama. It inhabits humid montane (cloud) forests, typically at elevations between 1,200 and 2,000 meters above sea level. I. rivularis is closely associated with riparian zones, frequently found near streams and small waterfalls where it breeds.
Ecology and behavior
The reproductive biology of I. rivularis follows the pattern of many hylid frogs, with eggs laid in aquatic environments such as streams. Tadpoles develop in flowing water. The species is nocturnal, and adults are primarily arboreal, foraging on insects and other small invertebrates.
Conservation status
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, Isthmohyla rivularis is classified as Endangered (EN). The primary threats identified are:
- Habitat loss and fragmentation due to agricultural expansion, timber extraction, and infrastructure development.
- Environmental contamination of stream habitats.
- The spread of chytridiomycosis, a fungal disease that has severely impacted many neotropical amphibian populations.
Conservation measures recommended include protection of primary montane forest, preservation of stream habitats, and monitoring of disease prevalence.
References
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group. 2021. Isthmohyla rivularis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T55814A53983468.
- Taylor, E. H. (1952). "Notes on the amphibians and reptiles of Costa Rica and Panama." University of Kansas Science Bulletin, 35(4): 247‑274.
- Duellman, W. E., & Campbell, J. A. (1992). Hylid Frogs of the Neotropics. Smithsonian Institution Press.
This entry summarizes currently available encyclopedic information on the species Isthmohyla rivularis and does not include unverified or speculative data.