Definition
Nanorana feae is a species of frog in the family Dicroglossidae. It is commonly known as Fea's frog.
Overview
Nanorana feae is native to the eastern Himalayan region, with confirmed records from northern Myanmar and adjacent areas of northeastern India. The species inhabits montane streams and riparian zones at elevations typically ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 m above sea level. It is a semi-aquatic amphibian that breeds in flowing water. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently lists N. feae as Data Deficient, reflecting limited information on its population trends and threats. Habitat degradation due to agricultural expansion and infrastructure development is considered a potential risk.
Etymology / Origin
The specific epithet feae honors Leonardo Fea (1852–1903), an Italian zoologist and explorer who collected specimens in Southeast Asia during the late 19th century. The species was formally described by George Albert Boulenger in 1905 under the original combination Rana feae; it has since been reassigned to the genus Nanorana.
Characteristics
- Size: Adult males typically measure 45–55 mm in snout‑vent length (SVL), while females are slightly larger, reaching up to 60 mm SVL.
- Morphology: The body is moderately robust with a relatively flat head. The dorsum is generally brown to olive with irregular dark markings; the ventral surface is lighter, often creamy or pale yellow. Fingers are slender and lack webbing, whereas the toes are moderately webbed, an adaptation to their stream habitats.
- Reproduction: Breeding occurs in the spring and early summer. Males emit a short, low‑frequency call from the edges of streams. Eggs are deposited in clutches attached to submerged rocks or vegetation.
- Behavior: Primarily nocturnal; individuals are most active at night when they forage for small invertebrates. During the day, they seek shelter under stones or among leaf litter near water.
Related Topics
- Genus Nanorana – a diverse group of high‑altitude frogs distributed across the Himalayas and surrounding regions.
- Family Dicroglossidae – a family of Asian and African frogs commonly referred to as fork‑tongued or ditch frogs.
- Leonardo Fea – Italian naturalist after whom the species is named.
- Amphibian Conservation – broader context of threats to montane amphibians, including habitat loss and climate change.
Note: While the above information is derived from peer‑reviewed herpetological literature and reputable databases (e.g., Amphibian Species of the World, IUCN Red List), some aspects of the species’ ecology and distribution remain insufficiently studied, and future research may refine these details.