Rhacophorus
kajau
is a beautiful, small frog, reaching 20 mm in males
and > 20 mm in females. It has a soft, high
pitched call. It is easily overlooked in the field
and was scientifically described only in 1984 by
Julian Dring. However, this species is quite common
in lowland habitats.
These frogs sit on vegetation, 1–2 m high. They prefer small streams with slow current for reproduction or even stagnant pools that become ephemeral streams during the wet season. Clutches with only a few eggs are attached to leaves overhanging water.
These frogs sit on vegetation, 1–2 m high. They prefer small streams with slow current for reproduction or even stagnant pools that become ephemeral streams during the wet season. Clutches with only a few eggs are attached to leaves overhanging water.
The tadpoles are easy to recognize. They have a
dark brown saddle across the trunk. Body shape is
ovoid. The iris is bronze with a red cross-bar. In
close-up, there are conspicuous golden and silver
pigments on the sides of the trunk. The skin of the
belly is translucent.
The tail fins are well developed. The tail tip is moderately pointed (the specimen on the photo has a damaged tail tip, possibly the result of a dragonfly larva attack).
(Photos of amplecting pair and clutch © André Jankowski)
The tail fins are well developed. The tail tip is moderately pointed (the specimen on the photo has a damaged tail tip, possibly the result of a dragonfly larva attack).
(Photos of amplecting pair and clutch © André Jankowski)
