Scotobleps gabonicus ( Boulenger 1900 )

Jongsma, Gregory F. M., Tobi, Elie, Dixon-MacCallum, Graham P., Bamba-Kaya, Abraham, Yoga, Jean-Aimé, Mbega, Jean-Daniel, Beh, Jean-Hervé Mve, Emrich, Andrea M., Blackburn Abstract. - We, David C., This, Gabon. & Park, Batéké Plateau National, 2017, Amphibians of Haut-Ogooué Province, southeastern Gabon, Amphibian & Reptile Conservation (e 144) 11 (1), pp. 1-23 : 8

Scotobleps gabonicus ( Boulenger 1900)

Material: Twelve (12) specimens. Doumaye: CAS 258149, 258150; GMFJ 1239, 1267–68, 1350, 1367. Mboua: CAS 258228–29; GFMJ 1399, 1401–02. Fig. 5H .

Comments: Scotobleps gabonicus is found in leaf litter, close to stream edges with sandy to pebbly substrates. While found near streams, we never observed individuals (n = 84 across Gabon) to leap into the water when approached; when detected, it either remains in place or moves in a direction other than the stream. This species appears to prefer clear streams as we did not find it near sections with muddy water. This may suggest that its reproduction and life history are dependent on specific stream qualities, though its tadpoles remain unknown. Adults are best detected at night by eye-shine. Scotobleps gabonicus is widespread and common across the lower Guinean forest ( Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon; Portik et al. 2017) In Gabon, it is known from Crystal Mountains NP ( Lötters et al. 2001), Lopé NP ( Frétey and Blanc 2001), Ivindo NP (collected by Bell and Stuart in 2011; NCSM 78914–15), and Moukalaba-Doudou NP ( Burger et al. 2004).

Figures

Fig. 5. Leptopelis calcaratus CAS 258148 (A), L. millsoni CAS 257991, 257990 (B, C), L. notatus GFMJ 1495, CAS 258283, 258230 (D–F), L. ocellatus GFMJ 1431 (G), Scotobleps gabonicus GFMJ 1350 (H).