Amolops siju

Amolops siju, the Siju Cave frog, is a species of true frog found in the Siju Cave, India.

Description

It is brown with green mottling and it has dark bands on the legs. The ventral side is light with dark patches. Only 4 specimens have been collected of the species. The 3 females had an SVL of and the single male had an SVL of, which shows a drastic size difference.

Distribution and ecology

It has only been found in Siju Cave but it is hypothesized that they migrate down there. Siju Cave is made of limestone and maintains a steady temperature and humidity, which may be attractive for a frog looking for warmth. This hypothesis is further supported by the fact that the frog has no troglobitic adaptations to life in a cave. This means that the frog might also be found outside the cave and therefore have a wider distribution.

Etymology

Both the common and scientific name comes from the type locality, which is the Siju Cave.