Hylarana taipehensis (Van Denburgh, 1909)

Size

Males of Hylarana taipehensis usually reach a maximum snout-vent length of 3 cm (1.2 in), while females are less than 4 cm (1.6 in) in snout-vent length.

Dorsal and lateral coloration

The dorsum ranges from yellowish green to greenish brown, and the sides are light yellowish brown. Paired dorso-lateral glandular folds appear as brownish black lines.

Limb coloration

The limbs are light brown and marked with dark brown stripes.

Abdomen and neck patterning

The abdomen and neck each have tiny spots plus three brownish black stripes.

Tympanum coloration

The tympanum, and the area behind and below the tympanum, are dark blackish brown.

Habitat

Hylarana taipehensis lives in open, grassy wetlands, rice paddies, river floodplains, forest ponds, and swampy areas within deciduous forests. It is often a common species.

Breeding habitat

Breeding occurs at water edges sheltered by thickets.

Anthropogenic threats

This frog can adapt to agricultural habitats, but it may be threatened by pesticides, and is sometimes persecuted as a pest.

Conservation status

It is classified as endangered in Taiwan, but is not considered threatened globally, and is found in many protected areas. Its overall population is considered stable, but scientists note it is sensitive to habitat changes.

Pollution impacts

Chemicals including fertilizers, pesticides, and general pollution are all harmful to this species.