Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Amphibia
- Order: Anura
- Family: Bufonidae
- Genus: Xanthophryne
- Species: Xanthophryne koynayensis (Biju & Bossuyt, 2009)
Common name
No widely recognized common name is established in the scientific literature; the species is generally referred to by its scientific name.
Description
Xanthophryne koynayensis is a small toad, with adult snout‑vent length typically ranging between 25 mm and 30 mm. The dorsal skin is granular and exhibits a brown to dark gray coloration, often with lighter blotches or mottling that provide camouflage among leaf litter. The ventral surface is lighter, usually pale cream or yellowish. Morphological characteristics distinguishing this species from congeners include the shape of the snout, the extent of toe webbing (limited), and the presence of a distinctive X‑shaped ridge on the dorsum.
Distribution and habitat
The species is endemic to the Western Ghats of India, known from the Koyna region in the state of Maharashtra. Its occurrence is limited to evergreen and semi‑evergreen forest patches at elevations of approximately 500–900 m above sea level. X. koynayensis is a terrestrial species that inhabits leaf litter and the moist microhabitats near streams and temporary water bodies.
Ecology and behavior
The toad is primarily nocturnal and is most active during the monsoon season, when breeding occurs. Females lay eggs in shallow, temporary pools formed by rainwater; the tadpoles develop rapidly before the pools dry. Limited observations indicate a diet consisting of small insects and other arthropods.
Conservation status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has evaluated Xanthophryne koynayensis as Endangered (EN). The primary threats to the species are habitat loss and degradation due to agricultural expansion, logging, and infrastructure development, notably the construction and operation of the Koyna Dam, which has altered local hydrology and reduced suitable breeding sites.
Research and monitoring
Because of its restricted range and specialized habitat requirements, X. koynayensis is considered a priority species for herpetological surveys in the Western Ghats. Ongoing research aims to clarify its population size, distribution limits, and ecological needs to inform conservation actions.
References
- Biju, S. D., & Bossuyt, F. (2009). Systematics and phylogeny of the genus Xanthophryne (Anura: Bufonidae) with the description of two new species from the Western Ghats, India. Journal of Herpetology, 43(4), 638–650.
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group. (2022). Xanthophryne koynayensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T136158A169163642. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-2.RLTS.T136158A169163642.en
Note: All information presented is based on peer‑reviewed taxonomic and conservation literature available up to 2024.