A new karst-dwelling species of Kalophrynus (Anura: Microhylidae) from Gunung Mulu National Park, Borneo, Malaysia

Researchers have identified a new species of frog, belonging to the genus Kalophrynus (Anura: Microhylidae), endemic to the karst hills and mountains of Gunung Mulu National Park, Borneo. This discovery, described in detail by Dehling (2011), highlights unique morphological traits such as medium size, a distinct white dorsolateral line separating black dorsum and flanks, and a red to reddish-orange iris. The species is found at elevations between 70 and at least 1200 meters within the Melinau Limestone Formation. It differs from other Kalophrynus species through a combination of features including slender forelimbs, specific finger and toe proportions, and an advertisement call characterized by seven pulses lasting approximately 161 milliseconds with a dominant frequency between 2250–2650 Hz. This finding contributes to the understanding of biodiversity in karst ecosystems and underscores the significance of Gunung Mulu National Park as a critical habitat for endemic species.

DEHLING, J. M. (2011). A new karst-dwelling species of Kalophrynus (Anura: Microhylidae) from Gunung Mulu National Park, Borneo, Malaysia. Zootaxa, 2737(1). https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.2737.1.4