Xanthophryne koynayensis

Xanthophryne koynayensis is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae. It is endemic to the Western Ghats of India where it is known from Koyna in the Maharashtra state. Formerly included in the genus Bufo it has been since made the type species for the genus Xanthophryne and is a sister species of Xanthophryne tigerina.

History

Xanthophryne koynayensis has been described twice using the same materials collected in connection with the Koyna Hydroelectric Project: first as Bufo koynayensis by Soman in 1963, and then as Bufo sulphureus by Grandison and Daniel in 1964.

Description

Xanthophryne koynayensis are relatively small toads: adult males measure in snout–vent length. The body is covered by small warts with black tips and dark brown in colour; there are yellow patches on the flanks, thighs, and shoulders. The tympanum is indistinct.

Habitat and conservation

Xanthophryne koynayensis is a rare species. Its natural habitats are moist to wet evergreen forest and dry riparian grassland. It is threatened by habitat loss caused by agriculture and clear cutting of forests.