Spiny Reed Frog

biology_ecology

HABITAT. — We observed A. vittiger in floodplains and swampy valleys. The species is present in protected areas such as Arly National Park, W National Park, Comoé-Léraba Forest and Deux Balés National Park. In Koubri, Pabré and Loumbila, the species was found in paddy fields, around ponds on grasses and plants surfacing water (Fig. 2 C, D, F). It is a common savannah species which has a large distribution range in West Africa (Rödel 2000; Leaché et al. 2006; Nago et al. 2006; Segniagbeto et al. 2007). This species has often been confused with its congener A. fulvovittatus. The two species partly overlap in the forest-savannah ecotone of West Africa. However, Afrixalus fulvovittatus occurs in heavily degraded forest areas whereas A. vittiger mostly lives in savannah areas (Pickersgill 2007; Rödel & Glos 2019).

List of amphibian species (Vertebrata, Tetrapoda) of Burkina Faso

description

DESCRIPTION. — 71 specimens examined. Some of these specimens slightly larger than others. Male’s body size between 20.9 - 27.3 mm while female’s size 21.3 - 26.7 mm. Agreeing with Pickersgill (2007), indicating males body size from 21 - 26 mm and 22 - 28 mm for females. Skin asperities, typical for the genus, present on dorsum but also on belly, prominent on tarsus and feet in males. On back of all specimens, seven vertical distinct bands, four brown separated by three whitish (Fig. 4 B). Ventral skin colour whitish.

List of amphibian species (Vertebrata, Tetrapoda) of Burkina Faso

materials_examined

COLLECTION MATERIAL. — Burkina Faso • 2 ♀ (SVL 21.6 - 27.4 mm), 1 subadult (SVL 18 mm); Passoré province, Samba; 12.70144 ° N, – 2.40390 ° W; 290 m a. s. l.; VII. 1962; M. Lamotte leg.; MNHNRA- 1979.4741, 1979.4742, 1979.4743. FIELD MATERIAL. — Burkina Faso • 8 ♂ (SVL 24.5 - 27.0 mm); Pabré dam, downstream of the dam; 12.51679 ° N, – 1.59693 ° W; 290 m a. s. l.; 11. VII. 2017; H. J. Ayoro & A. Ohler leg.; on flooded grasses; hand capture • 2 ♂ (SVL 23.7 - 24.5 mm); same locality; 12. VII. 2017; same collectors as for preceding; on grasses in irrigation ditch; hand capture • 3 ♂ (SVL 24.3 - 25.2 mm), 1 ♀ (SVL 26.7 mm); Loumbila dam; 12.49844 ° N, – 1.40311 ° W; 280 m a. s. l.; 14. VII. 2017; same collectors as for preceding; in a plantain plantation downstream from the dam; hand capture • 8 ♂ (SVL 24.3 - 26.7 mm); same locality; 15. VII. 2017; same collectors as for preceding; on small plants around vegetable gardens; hand capture • 4 ♂ (SVL 23.4 - 25.2 mm); Koubri, “ Ancien barrage ”; 12.20322 ° N, – 1.35100 ° W; 280 m a. s. l.; 16. VII. 2017; same collectors as for preceding; in a maize field; hand capture • 2 ♂ (SVL 22.8 - 24.3 mm); Koubri, downstream from the Nabazana dam; 12.20

List of amphibian species (Vertebrata, Tetrapoda) of Burkina Faso

biology_ecology

HABITATS AND DISTRIBUTION. — The species occurs mainly in savannah, but may enter degraded forest. It is very common in ecological zones I and II. Specimens were collected in Niamtougou, Kanté, N’Gambi, Payo and Fazao Malfakassa (Kalaré, Kpei Solongo, Bounako). Calling males often sit at a height of 1 to 1.5 m on grasses or shrubs in ponds. Most populations were encountered in the northern part of the Atacora range. The southern distribution of this species in the country is doubtful. This species has been reported in Togo by Bourgat (1979) and Segniagbeto et al. (2007, 2022).

Amphibians of Togo: taxonomy, distribution and conservation status