About
Leptobrachella kecil occurs in an area of just 10km²!
Formally known as Leptolalax kecil in 2018 this species was reassigned to the Leptobrachella genus based on phylogenetic analysis.
Leptobrachella kecil has been found only at its type locality – (place original specimen was collected) Tanah Rata in the Cameron Highlands and is known from only a few specimens. There has been no survey recently and it is unknown if the L. kecil persists as the habitat has changed where it was originally found. Due to the continued decline of the habitat in the Cameron Highlands it is assumed that the population will be decreasing.
At the time the species was found in 2008 there was agricultural development in the forest near the type locality, this continues to be a threat the species habitat in the Cameron Highlands. In 2016 the habitat of the type locality had been destroyed by the construction of apartments.
L. kecil does live within Central Titiwangsa Range Important Bird Area which overlaps with the Cameron Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary, but there are no records of this species. Further research into the population size and distribution are required along with further research into the biology of L. kecil by additional surveys. Protection of this species remaining habitat in the Cameron Highlands is required.
- Order: Anura
- Family: Megophryidae
- Population: Unknown
- Trend: unknown
EDGE Score
Distribution
Found only Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Pahang state, central Peninsular Malaysia, at 1,522 m above sea level. This species may have a wider range within the Banjaran Titiwangsa mountain chain but is thought to be restricted to high-elevation forest.
Habitat and Ecology
Leptobrachella kecil lives in montane tropical forest, Males of this species have been found calling during night hours in the leaf litter not far from a small stream. It is likely to breed via larval development – eggs are laid in water and larvae are adapted to an aquatic environment before metamorphising into the adult form.