Raorchestes anili (Biju & Bossuyt, 2006)

Nomenclature and Classification

Raorchestes anili, commonly known as Anil's bush frog, is a species of frog in the family Rhacophoridae.

Distribution

This species is endemic to the Western Ghats in Kerala, India, where it has been observed at elevations between 840 and 1,150 meters (2,760 and 3,770 feet) above sea level.

Habitat

Its known habitats include forests, coffee farms, roadside vegetation, gardens, and areas near human habitation.

Male Size

Adult male Anil's bush frogs measure 23.2–25.2 mm (0.91–0.99 in) in snout-vent length, the distance from the nose to the rear end of the body.

Female Size

Only one female specimen has been recorded, which measured 29.3 mm (1.15 in) in snout-vent length.

Dorsal Coloration

The species has a light brown dorsal skin marked with darker brown patterning.

Lateral Markings

It has a dark brown stripe on each side of the body that runs from the front leg to the hind leg on that side; these two stripes meet at the middle of the back to form a V shape.

Head Markings

There is a light brown mark between the frog's eyes.

Snout and Dorsal Spots

Most of the snout is gray, and the back is covered in many brown-black spots.

Iris Appearance

The iris of the eye is yellow-red, edged with a gray rim.

Etymology

This species was named after Anil Zachariah, who provided assistance to researcher Dr. Biju during work on this frog.

Development Mode

Raorchestes anili undergoes direct development, hatching directly into frogs without a free-swimming tadpole stage.

Conservation Status

Scientists currently assess this frog as not endangered, as it has a large range and is able to tolerate human-altered habitats.