Project Update: August 2008

8 species of frogs from four different families were collected during the field work in Karimata island which was dominated by Dicroglossidae (4 species). We classified 4 classes of altitudinal gradient to distinguish frogs’ diversity: 0-100m asl, 101-200m asl, 201-300m asl, 301-1030m asl. Frogs diversity was not really different significantly at each altitude.Six species found at 0-100 m asl, and recorded 5 species at either 101-200 m asl or 201-300 m asl. At higher altitude (>302 m asl) we only got 3 species that dominated by Philautus sp. We found that frogs’ diversity in Karimata was interesting. Although there was only few number of species in Karimata, some species shows interesting pattern of their distribution.

Limnonectes malesianus tend to have bigger SVL (snout vent length) at higher altitude. We found L. malesianus in each altitude, except at 101-200 m asl even if we consider that this species also live in that altitude. Our specimens of L. malesianus from higher altitude tend to have bigger size compared to L. malesianus from lower altitude. Another interesting pattern of distribution also shown by Philautus sp. We were collect Philautus sp since 101 m asl up to the top of mountain Cabang with several morphological variation. It was interesting because Philautus usually common at high altitude. In Karimata, this species was recorded from lowland to highland.