A new giant species of Arthroleptis (Amphibia: Anura) from the forests of the Nguru Mountains, Tanzania

Abstract

Specimens of Arthroleptis attaining a body length of nearly 58 mm have been collected above 1790 m a.s.l. on the Nguru Mountains, part of the Eastern Arc mountain chain of Tanzania. In body size this material slightly surpasses the other giant Eastern Arc high‐altitude species A. tanneri and A. nikeae, and differs in the proportions of the foot, and patterning of the chin. The Nguru material is referred to a new species which qualifies as being critically endangered on account of its apparently limited geographical range. Aclade including the three giant Arthroleptis species seems likely, showing parallels with several other isolated forest‐dwelling Eastern Arc high‐altitude anurans.