Re-assessment of the Reinwardt’s Gliding Frog, Rhacophorus reinwardtii (Schlegel 1840) (Anura: Rhacophoridae) in Southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia and its re-description as a new species

Abstract

Rhacophorus reinwardtii from Southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia is found to be morphologically distinct from Javan and Bornean populations and is herein described as a new species. Rhacophorus norhayatii sp nov. can be differentiated from R. reinwardtii by having a larger maximum SVL in males (64.7 mm vs. 55 mm); lacking spots on dorsum; higher degree of interdigital web pigmentation on hands and feet; and rusty brown markings on the flanks. This study adds to the growing list of taxonomic changes in Sunda Shelf taxa by demonstrating that species previously thought to be widely distributed across Sundaland are indeed distinct lineages worthy of species recognition.