Kaloula aureata | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Amphibia |
Order: | Anura |
Family: | Microhylidae |
Genus: | Kaloula |
Species: | K. aureata
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Binomial name | |
Kaloula aureata Nutphand, 1989[2]
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Kaloula aureata, also known as the golden burrowing frog or golden bullfrog, is a species of frogs in the family Microhylidae. It is endemic to southern Thailand with records from the Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat provinces.[1][3][4] The validity of this poorly known species has been questioned, and Ohler (2003) tentatively considered it synonym of Kaloula pulchra macrocephala. However, following Pauwels and Chérot (2006),[4] it is now recognized as a valid species.[1][3][5]
The lectotype is a male measuring 60 mm (2.4 in) in snout–vent length. The fingers are slender. The toe tips may be broadened into small disc-shaped pads. Dorsal skin is finely granulated. The body has brown ground colour with irregular yellow marks that give a golden aspect to the whole body – hence the specific name aureata. The belly is white.[4]
There is little ecological information on this species.[1] It appeared to be rare at the time of collection of the type series in the 1970s.[4] It comes from a region dominated by semi-evergreen rainforest. Reproduction is assumed to take place in seasonal pools. Habitat loss (deforestation) is occurring in the region and is a possible threat to this species.[1]