Range Description This species is known only from a tiny area on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, from an unspecified type locality. It is apparently confined to Lubuk Selasi, at the head of the Terusan River at about 1,000 m asl, on the borders of three districts, Padang Pariaman, Solok and Pesisir Selatan, in West Sumatra Province (Teynie et al. 2010). Despite searches, it has not been found above 1,260 m asl, or below 800 m asl. Surveys in several other parts of Sumatra have failed to find this species, and it is likely to have a very restricted distribution.
Habitat and Ecology Since the identity of the specimens in the rediscovery are uncertain, the following habitat and ecological information should be interpreted with caution (D. Iskandar pers. comm. May 2017). It has been found along a small, clear stream with a width of 15 m in secondary forest. No evidence of breeding has been found, but it presumably breeds by larval development in streams. It is not known whether or not the species is dependent on forest, though this is likely.
Population This species was described based on a single individual and had not been observed until it was rediscovered in high abundance in 2001 after a gap of 141 years. This rediscovery, however, needs to be re-evaluated to confirm the taxonomic placement of these specimens (D. Iskandar pers. comm. May 2017).
Population Trend decreasing
Major Threats Since its rediscovery, there has been extensive and very rapid habitat destruction for rice paddies in its only known locality, leading to the siltation of streams, which might affect its ability to breed.
Conservation Actions Conservation Actions The species is not known from any protected area (it has not been recorded from a conservation forest about 10 km from the only known locality).
Conservation Needed A community-based initiative involving local NGOs and communities is urgently needed to save what is thought to be the only known subpopulation of this species.
Research Needed Research is needed to resolve the taxonomy of this species. Further survey work is necessary to establish the limits of this species' range and population status, and more information is needed on its ecology and threats.
Red List Status Critically Endangered (CR)
Rationale Listed as Data Deficient because there is too much uncertainty around the taxonomic status of this species.
Taxonomic Notes This rediscovery of this species in 2001 needs to be re-evaluated to confirm the taxonomic placement of these specimens (D. Iskandar pers. comm. May 2017).
Citation IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group 2018. Duttaphrynus sumatranus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T54770A114917254. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T54770A114917254.en .Downloaded on 20 February 2019
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