Description M 35-39 mm. Tibiotarsal articulation reaches the eye. Hand with a trace of webbing, foot webbing 1(0-1), 2i(1), 2e(0-0.5), 3i(1.25-1.75), 3e(0.5-1), 4i(1.75-2), 4e(1.5-1.75), 5(0.5-0.75). Males with nuptial pads and a moderately distensible single subgular vocal sac. Dorsal skin smooth. Dorsally light brown with large dark brown symmetrical markings. Ventrally white, throat in breeding males blackish.
Similar species: In western Madagascar, the only similar species is B. doulioti which lacks the large dark dorsal markings typical for B. xerophilus. Distribution and Habitat
Country distribution from AmphibiaWeb's database: Madagascar
Kirindy (central-western Madagascar), Berenty (southeastern Madagascar). May occur in between those areas. Reported from low elevations, below 100m asl. Only known from areas of dry deciduous forest, not known from open savanna (Glaw and Vences 2008).Life History, Abundance, Activity, and Special Behaviors Males call at night, sitting on the ground near temporary pools, after heavy rains.
Calls: Consisting of 1-4 short melodious notes.
It mates in temporary pools (Glaw and Vences 2008).
Trends and Threats Occurs in at least one protected area, the Réserve Naturelle Privée de Berenty. (Glaw and Vences 2008). Possible reasons for amphibian decline General habitat alteration and loss Habitat modification from deforestation, or logging related activities Intensified agriculture or grazing Habitat fragmentation
Comments Taken with permission from Glaw and Vences (2007).
References
Glaw, F. and Vences, M. (1994). Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar. M. Vences and F. Glaw Verlags GbR., Köln.
Glaw, F. and Vences, M. (2008). Boophis xerophilus. In: IUCN 2008. 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. www.iucnredlist.org. Downloaded on 07 April 2009.
Glaw, F., and Vences, M. (2007). Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar. Third Edition. Vences and Glaw Verlag, Köln.
Originally submitted by: Miguel Vences and Frank Glaw (first posted 2008-12-04)
Edited by: Henry Zhu (2009-05-05)Species Account Citation: AmphibiaWeb 2009 Boophis xerophilus <https://amphibiaweb.org/species/5780> University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA. Accessed Dec 25, 2024.
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Citation: AmphibiaWeb. 2024. <https://amphibiaweb.org> University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA. Accessed 25 Dec 2024.
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