Taruga eques (Günther, 1858)

Species Overview

Taruga eques is a large frog species.

Adult Size

Adult males measure 33–43 mm (1.3–1.7 in) in snout–vent length, while adult females measure 59–71 mm (2.3–2.8 in).

Snout Characteristics

This species has a long, sharp, triangular snout: female snouts are red-orange, and male snouts are typically brown. The underside of the snout ranges from grey to cream-yellow.

Dorsal and Limb Pattern

The pattern on the back varies between an hourglass shape and brown spots, and the hind legs bear dark stripes.

Similar Species Distinction (Taruga fastigo)

Taruga eques resembles and has often been confused with Taruga fastigo, but it can be distinguished by its relatively shorter legs and narrower, longer head. Additionally, unlike Taruga fastigo, Taruga eques lacks the black line that connects the axilla to the groin; in some individuals, this line is only reduced to a band of blackish dots.

Genus Distinguishing Feature

It can be differentiated from other members of the genus Polypedates by the presence of a calcar on the heel.

Habitat Range and Elevation

Taruga eques inhabits montane tropical moist forests in the central hills of Sri Lanka, at elevations between 1,200 and 2,135 m (3,937–7,005 ft) above sea level.

Microhabitat Preferences

It is both arboreal and terrestrial, found in canopies and on tree trunks, as well as in grasses growing at the edge of ponds.

Protected Area Records

It has been recorded in Horton Plains National Park, Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve, Knuckles Mountain Forest Reserve, and Peak Wilderness Sanctuary.

Tadpole Habitat

Tadpoles of this species are most often found in both permanent and seasonal ponds.

IUCN Conservation Status

While Taruga eques is commonly encountered within its range in Sri Lanka, the IUCN classifies it as Endangered due to ongoing habitat loss.

Human Impact Tolerance

It does not occur in human-modified habitats, indicating the species cannot tolerate human impacts to its environment.

Local Habitat Threats

Knuckles Mountain Forest Reserve, one of the species' confirmed habitats, is currently threatened by tea and cardamom plantations, unregulated construction, tourism, man-made forest fires, and invasive species.

Additional Threat Factors

Additional potential threats include reduced rainfall from climate change, subcutaneous parasitic infections, and forest dieback. The species' reliance on microhabitats associated with Juncus effusus and its ecological specialization are also considered factors that increase its existential risk.

Daytime Shelter Behavior

During the daytime, Taruga eques uses Juncus effusus and other herbs as shelter to avoid desiccation.

Activity and Vocalization Period

Observations show that individuals typically begin emerging in mid-afternoon and vocalize until approximately midnight.

Environmental Preferences

This species favors humid environments with humidity over 65% and temperatures below 16 °C, and prefers still bodies of water with temperatures lower than 16.5 °C.

Known Predators

Known predators of Taruga eques include the Indian Pond Heron, Indian Black Bird, mongooses, dragonfly larvae, and the Eurasian Otter.

Parasites

This species is parasitized by cestodes and leeches.

Sympatric Species

It occurs in sympatry with Fejevarya greenii, Pseudophilautus microtampanioum, Pseudophilautus alto, and multiple other species in the genus Pseudophilautus.