Description of three Rhacophorus tadpoles (Lissamphibia: Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo)

Scientists have identified and described the larval forms of three Rhacophorus frog species—R. rufipes, R. penanorum, and R. dulitensis—from Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo). Using DNA barcoding techniques targeting the 16S rRNA mitochondrial gene, researchers confirmed that larval DNA sequences matched those of adult specimens found at the same site, ensuring accurate species identification. The study provides detailed morphological and coloration descriptions of these tadpoles, along with ecological notes. Notably, R. penanorum tadpoles exhibit adaptations for a lotic, rheophilous lifestyle, while those of R. rufipes and R. dulitensis are classified as generalized benthic-nectonic types. This discovery contributes to the understanding of amphibian biodiversity in one of Borneo's most ecologically significant regions.

HAAS, A., HERTWIG, S. T., KRINGS, W., BRASKAMP, E., DEHLING, J. M., MIN, P. Y., JANKOWSKI, A., SCHWEIZER, M., & DAS, I. (2012). Description of three Rhacophorus tadpoles (Lissamphibia: Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo). Zootaxa, 3328(1). https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3328.1.1