Frogs belonging to the genus Nyctibatrachus are endemic to the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. They are the second most speciose frogs in the Western Ghats, with 70% of the species having narrow distribution ranges. They are also highly cryptic in nature. In this study, we describe a new species of Nyctibatrachus frog from the central Western Ghats of India. Nyctibatrachus kali sp. nov. is described from the Kali River basin of North Karnataka. The new species is distinguishable from all 34 currently recognised Nyctibatrachus species by a combination of morphological, acoustic and phylogenetic analyses. Molecular phylogeny based on two mitochondrial genes (16S rRNA and ND1) reveals that it belongs to the N. sanctipalustris clade. Based on the analysis of 16S rRNA, Nyctibatrachus kali sp. nov. shows genetic divergence >5% with its congeners, and based on the analysis of ND1, Nyctibatrachus kali sp. nov. shows genetic divergence >10% with its congeners. The bioacoustics analyses indicated that the new species differed from their closest congeners based on the dominant frequency of the advertisement calls and the number of notes in each call. For the first time, we observed two distinct advertisement call categories–call notes with low and high dominant frequency in Nyctibatrachus kali sp. nov. and its congeners. Our study adds to the rich diversity of frogs from the Western Ghats of India.

We describe Gastrotheca mittaliiti sp. nov. from the subalpine paramo of Amazonas department in the Andes of northern Peru, in the Huancabamba region, based on phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences from three mitochondrial and two nuclear genes, genetic distances, and diagnostic morphological characters. Our phylogenetic analysis recovered the new species with high support both as part of the Gastrotheca marsupiata species group and as the sister species of G. trachyplevra. The new species can be distinguished from the rest of its congeners by the combination of the following characters: (i) moderately small size in males (SVL = 27.6–32.5 mm, n = 4); (ii) distinctly thick and elevated supratympanic fold extending from the top edge of the tympanum to the flank covered with prominent and closely packed or fused pustules; (iii) two prominent paravertebral longitudinal pustular ridges; (iv) narrow discs on fingers and toes with truncate terminal margins; (v) dorsum covered with prominent and closely packed rounded pustules; (vi) canthus rostralis thin and straight in dorsal view; and (vii) distal subarticular tubercle rounded. In addition, we report the first record of G. turnerorum in Peru and describe new morphological variation of the Peruvian populations. Our results highlight the Huancabamba region as the hotspot of Gastrotheca species richness, a result that we discuss from a biogeographic and conservation perspective.

We describe three new species of direct-developing frogs of the genus Pristimantis, subgenus Huicundomantis, from the Reserva Biológica Cerro Plateado in southern Ecuador, one of the most biodiverse yet least explored regions of the Cordillera del Cóndor. Combining molecular, morphological, and bioacoustic data, we provide diagnoses and phylogenetic placements for Pristimantis verrucosus sp. nov., P. plateado sp. nov., and P. melanops sp. nov. The first two species are placed within the P. cryptomelas species group, while the third belongs to the P. phoxocephalus group. The new species can be readily distinguished from their local congeners by the following combination of traits: P. verrucosus sp. nov. exhibits a coarsely tuberculate dorsum and flanks, lacks dermal folds or ridges in the occipital/scapular region, has a distinct tympanic annulus and membrane, low cranial crests, Toe V longer than Toe III, and males possess a vocal sac and slits; P. plateado sp. nov. has a silver or light bronze iris, lacks dermal folds or ridges in the occipital/scapular region, a rounded snout in dorsal and lateral views, a distinct tympanic annulus and membrane, Toe V longer than Toe III, and males lack a vocal sac and slits; P. melanops sp. nov. is characterized by a uniquely blackish iris with a white circumpupillary ring and coarsely pustulate flanks. Additionally, we provide the first description of the advertisement call for a species in the P. cryptomelas group, thereby contributing novel bioacoustic data for a clade in which vocalizations were previously unknown. All three species are endemic to a single locality and two exhibit ecological specialization, being bromeliad specialists. Given their extremely restricted distributions and the ongoing threat of habitat degradation from illegal mining activities close to their distribution site, we recommend that all three species be listed as Critically Endangered under IUCN criteria.

We describe a new species of poison frog from north-central Peru that was previously considered a morph of Ameerega bassleri. Our phylogenetic results indicate that A. bassleri as currently defined is polyphyletic, with the nominal clade (A. bassleri sensu stricto) sister to A. pepperi, and a second, as yet unnamed clade, sister to A. yoshina. This latter clade contains the well-known yellow morph occurring in the mountains near Tarapoto, which for the last ca. 20 years was erroneously thought to represent the nominal form of A. bassleri. Observations of color-pattern and analyses of male advertisement call traits (note-rate and dominant frequencies) reveal consistent differences between A. pepperi, A. yoshina, and the two lineages of A. bassleri (treated as separate groups), supporting the hypothesis that these four clades are independent evolutionary lineages. Based on these results, we restrict A. bassleri to the clade containing the Chrome-green and Black morphs and describe the Yellow morph as a new species.

A new species of rain frog from the upper montane forest of the eastern Andes in the upper Pastaza watershed, Ecuador is described. Pristimantis fergusoni sp. nov. is characterized by its short snout, conical tubercles on upper eyelids and heels, combined with a scarlet colored belly in females. These unique traits differentiate the new species among other Pristimantis of upper montane eastern Ecuadorian Andes. Phylogenetic analyses support its validity and place it within a clade nested with other tuberculated species occurring along the Andean slopes. Pristimantis fergusoni sp. nov. is currently known from only two close localities (Cerro Candelaria and Chamana Reserves) at elevations between 2972 and 3200 m elevation, within the Llanganates-Sangay Ecological Corridor. Data Deficient IUCN status is proposed until new information is available. Individuals were observed at night perched on vegetation in herbaceous and arbustive vegetation of upper montane forest. This discovery contributes to a growing body of evidence identifying the upper Pastaza valley as a hotspot of amphibian endemism and diversification. With this addition, 30 strabomantid species are described for this region in the last decades, underscoring its conservation importance. This discovery highlights the urgent need for integrated taxonomic efforts combining fieldwork, morphology, and molecular data to resolve complex evolutionary relationships within the megadiverse genus Pristimantis, especially in underexplored high-elevation habitats of the tropical Andes. Finally, we provide an updated phylogeny for this clade that clarifies its evolutionary relationships.

We describe a new species of megophryid frog from Mt. Foding National Nature Reserve in Guizhou Province, China. The new species is morphologically distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: medium body size (SVL 88.1–93.2 mm in five adult males and 108.7–111.2 mm in two adult females); head wider than long; tympanum hidden; dorsal skin slightly rough with irregularly shaped dark blotches and stripes; chin, ventral surface of throat rough with brown, irregularly shaped dark markings, two large longitudinal black-brown stripes on lateral throat; ventral surface brown-black with small brown granular spots; occipital region slightly uplifted; upper eyelid with tubercles, one of which is prominent, bluntly conical horn; margin of tongue shallow notched behind; toes webbing formular: I (1½)-(2) II (1½)-(3) III (2½)-(4) IV (4)-(2) V, webbing extending as a wide fringe along either side of each toe; large single subgular vocal sac located laterally on floor of mouth in males; tadpoles with a transverse white stripe on ventral surface and two longitudinal white stripes along sides of the body. In addition, phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA and COI fragment confirms its distinct identity, which clusters the new species closest to B. orientalis , with uncorrected p -distances of COI at least 3.77%. At present, the new species is known only from small streams in Mt. Foding National Nature Reserve at about 740–1000 m elevation. Its natural history and conservation status is discussed.

We scientifically name and describe two new species of spiny frog (Mantellidae: Spinomantis ) from moderately high elevations in Ranomafana National Park, in south-east Madagascar. This region has been surveyed extensively and has a remarkably high anuran diversity with many undocumented species still being regularly discovered. We describe a previously identified candidate species, S. sp. Ca07, as Spinomantis lavabato sp. nov. and a previously undiscovered species from this region as Spinomantis lakolosy sp. nov. . The new species are morphologically cryptic within the S. bertini complex but can be recognized by a combination of subtle differences in coloration such as a lack or weak expression of sharp dorsolateral color border in both species. Bioacoustically, the new species are quite different from other species in the complex: Spinomantis lakolosy sp. nov. has the longest note duration with a powerful-sounding call that rings like a bell, which can be heard over the sound of rushing water in nearby streams; while S. lavabato sp. nov. differs by having the shortest note duration that is quiet and sounds like a trill. Furthermore, both species are substantially diverged in mitochondrial DNA, with pairwise distances in a fragment of the 16S rRNA marker of 7–9% to all other related species. Furthermore, we identify a lineage for future study in the complex from the nearby high-elevation site Andemaka within Ranomafana National Park that has an intermediate sounding advertisement call between the newly described species; although we cannot formally describe this lineage herein due to unavailability of voucher specimens, this lineage emphasizes the unexpectedly high diversity of sympatric species of the S. bertini complex in the Ranomafana area. Additionally, we identify another lineage from Ambahavala in the Anosy Chain with strong mitochondrial divergence for future study. Our findings also highlight the need for continued inventory work in high elevation rainforests of Madagascar, even in relatively well-studied regions such as Ranomafana National Park.

We describe a new species of dicroglossid frog in the genus Limnonectes from the Phu Phan Mountain Range, Sakon Nakhon Province, northeastern Thailand. Molecular phylogenetic analyses, based on the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene, revealed that Limnonectes sirindhornae Rujirawan, Yodthong & Aowphol, sp. nov. is closely related to L. lauhachindai but has mean uncorrected pairwise genetic divergences of 4.25%. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by having the combination of SVL 36.7–44.7 mm (n = 8) in adult males, 40.2–45.6 mm (n = 8) in adult females; adult males with hypertrophied heads; adult males with interorbital caruncle weakly developed, low-profiled, U-shaped, without free posterior margin; two enlarged odontoid processes on anterior margin of lower jaw, larger in males than in females; vocal sac opening in males absent; and yellowish coloration in life on ventral surfaces absent.

The genus Raorchestes Biju et al., 2010 represents one of the most diverse lineages within the family Rhacophoridae, with its members characterized by small size, absence of vomerine teeth, direct development, and distinctive digital discs with circum-marginal grooves. Despite its location in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, the amphibian diversity of Meghalaya remains underexplored. In this study, we describe two new species, Raorchestes jakoid sp. nov. and Raorchestes jadoh sp. nov., from the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, based on an integrative approach combining morphological, bioacoustic, and molecular data (16S rRNA). Additionally, we provide new records and supplementary descriptions for three species: R. kempiae, R. garo, and R. asakgrensis, thereby improving our understanding of their intraspecific variation and distribution. Phylogenetic analyses confirm the placement of the new species within the Raorchestes parvulus species complex. The new species are distinguished by a suite of morphological traits, unique call structures, and genetic divergence from congeners. Notably, both new species were discovered in secondary habitats near human settlements, suggesting ecological tolerance yet raising concerns about their long-term survival amid rapid habitat loss. The elevational distribution of the species studied ranges from 235 m to 1,655 m, with a concentration between 1,000–1,600 m, highlighting patterns of elevational partitioning and habitat specialization. Our findings add to the growing evidence of high cryptic diversity in the region and underscore the urgent need for targeted herpetofaunal surveys and conservation actions in Northeast India.

We describe three new species of Pristimantis frogs from northwestern Peru on the basis of morphological and genetic differences. Pristimantis chinguelassp. nov. is similar in appearance to P. wagteri but it differs by having a longer supratympanic fold, head rounded in profile, groins and posterior surfaces of thighs in a different color pattern. Pristimantis nunezcortezisp. nov. may be confused with P. cryptomelas, but it is differentiable by having heels with a single low tubercle, skin on flanks areolate, and by lacking prominent postorbital ridges. Pristimantis yonkesp. nov. is externally similar to P. morlaco from Ecuador, but can be distinguished by being smaller, having an acuminate snout, oval palmar tubercle and lacking dentigerous processes of vomers. All species inhabit the paramos and adjacent elfin forests of the mountain ridges north of Abra de Porcuya, the lowest east-west pass in the Peruvian Andes. Despite habitat loss being evident in the area, we do not have enough data to assess their conservation status. We suggest all the new species should be placed in the Data Deficient category of the IUCN Red List.

Species vouchers, GenBank accession codes and location of the corresponding new genetic sequences generated in this work

We describe a new species of arboreal mantellid frog of the genus Guibemantis (classified in the subgenus Guibemantis) from Madagascar. The new species, Guibemantis sioka sp. nov., is morphologically similar to G. depressiceps but differs by a high uncorrected genetic distance greater than 6% in the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene from all other related species, and by a conspicuous dark-light marbling of the flanks, relatively large hands, and the structure of its advertisement calls from its closest relatives. Single individuals of the new species have been found at each of three high-elevation sites (12101650 m a.s.l.) in the Southern Central East and South East of Madagascar (Ranomafana National Park, Ivohiboro Reserve, and Andohahela National Park). If this apparent rarity was confirmed by future studies, it would stand in stark contrast to other Guibemantis which are often observed in large breeding aggregations.

We describe two new species of asterophryine microhylid frogs from the Gulf Province lowlands of south-central Papua New Guinea. Cophixalus flavopunctatus sp. nov. is a small member of the genus (SUL 13.5-15.5 mm) that is most commonly encountered on stream banks. It can be distinguished from all congeners by its small size and the presence of yellow tubercles on the dorsum. Calling activity appears to peak in the early morning and evening when males produce a train of melodious peeping notes from within litter on the forest floor. Oreophryne purari sp. nov. is a medium-sized member of the genus (SUL 24.0 mm in the only male) that calls at night from high in the forest canopy with a series of harsh honking notes. Its morphology and call structure closely resemble O. loriae (Boulenger, 1898), a species known from eastern Papua New Guinea, but it differs from that species by having a cartilaginous connection between the procoracoid and the scapula (vs. a ligamentous connection), and by several aspects of morphometrics and colouration. The discovery and description of these two species adds to an already impressive known frog diversity in the lowland forests of southern Papua New Guinea.

A new species of frog in the genus Microhyla is described from Sumatra, Indonesia based on molecular and morphological characters. This new species was previously confused with M. achatina, a Javan endemic. This new species is diagnosable from its congeners by possessing a medium size (SVL in adult males 18.20–21.32 mm, in adult females 20.37–25.51 mm), a stout body, a nostril–eyelid length being about half of the snout length, having a single outer palmar tubercle, a tibiotarsal articulation reaching the center of the eye (when the hindlimbs are stretched and adpressed to the body), having finger and toe tips dilated, having the dorsum with medial longitudinal grooves, and excibiting a very thin and short dark stripe on the temporal region above a wider cream stripe, extending from the postorbital area to insertion of forelimb. Additionally, the new species is characterized by possessing relatively little foot webbing. Uncorrected 16S rRNA sequence divergences between the new taxon and sequences for other congeneric species available ranged from 4.8 to 15.0%.

A new species of small tree frog was discovered in southwestern China, exhibiting morphological differences and molecular divergence. The new species, formally described herein as Gracixalus weiisp. nov., is morphologically distinct from other congeners by body size (SVL 30.1–34.0 mm in males and 35.2–36.0 mm in females). In addition, the head width was larger than the head length, with a distinct tympanum, a brown to beige dorsum, and an inversed Y-shaped dark brown marking. The skin of the dorsal and lateral surfaces of the head, body, and limbs was rough and sparsely scattered with tubercles. The toes showed moderately developed webbing, while finger webbing was rudimentary. Nuptial pads were found on the base of finger I; males had a single subgular vocal sac, with heels overlapping when the legs were at a right angle to the body, and the tibiotarsal articulation reached the mid-eye when the legs were stretched forward. Phylogenetic analyses based on DNA sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA supported the new species as a sister species of G. jinxiuensis. Genetically, the new species diverges from its congeners by 3.4%–14.5% (uncorrected p-distance) and is closest to G. jinxiuensis, which is 3.4%.

The number of amphibian species described yearly shows no signs of slowing down, especially in tropical regions, implying that the biodiversity of amphibians remains woefully underestimated. A new species of poison frog is described from the Pacific lowlands of southwestern Colombia: Epipedobatescurrulao sp. nov., named for the Pacific music and dance genre known as "currulao" or "bambuco viejo". This species inhabits lowland forests from 0-260 m a.s.l. This taxon differs from congeners by having a combination of bright yellow blotches in the dorsal anterior region of the thigh and upper arm, homogenous dark-brown dorsal coloration, and advertisement calls of long duration and many pulses. We also describe the courtship call of E.currulao sp. nov., which is lower in frequency and shorter in duration than its advertisement call. Molecular phylogenetic analyses confirm the monophyly of the populations sampled and its position as the sister species of Epipedobatesnarinensis, which occurs in southwestern Colombia. Among species of Epipedobates, the new species has been previously confused with E.boulengeri, but the two species are allopatric and represent two divergent clades (1.77% divergent for 12S-16S and 5.39% for CYTB). These species can be distinguished by the presence of a bright yellow blotch on the dorsal anterior region of the thigh and on the upper arm of E.currulao sp. nov., blotches that are either more white than yellow or absent in E.boulengeri. In addition, the advertisement calls are distinct, with E.currulao sp. nov. having a single but long call in each call series while E.boulengeri has 2-6 calls in a series with each call being much shorter in length. Epipedobatescurrulao sp. nov. is the most northern species of Epipedobates, which extends southwards along the western edge of the Andes. Known as the Chocó, this biogeographic region has been largely converted to agriculture in Ecuador and is experiencing widespread transformation in Colombia, which may endanger E.currulao sp. nov. and biodiversity in the region. A Spanish translation of the main text is available in Suppl. material 8.

Two new species of dicroglossid frog of the Limnonectes kuhlii complex are described from southeastern Borneo, Indonesia. These new species were previously confused with L. kuhlii, whose type locality is Java, but recognized to represent genetically distinct lineages. Here, we describe them based on molecular and morphological characteristics. The two new species, Limnonectes maanyanorum sp. nov. and Limnonectes nusantara sp. nov., can be distinguished from named species of the Limnonectes kuhlii complex from Borneo, Java, Sumatra, and Peninsular Malaysia by significant genetic distances in partial sequences of the 16S rRNA gene and combinations of morphological characters. These descriptions are an initiation step in taxonomic work to encourage studies of the L. kuhlii complex in Kalimantan, Indonesia.

A new species of tree frog of the genus Rhacophorus is described from two different localities on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. The new species is divergent morphologically and genetically, and is deeply nested within the monophyletic group of endemic Sulawesian Rhacophorus comprising R. edentulus, R. georgii, and R. monticola. The new species has a combination of distinctive morphological characteristics that distinguishes it from other Rhacophorus species, including from other Sulawesian Rhacophorus: medium size SVL 40.4-44.6 mm in males; 48.1-54.2 mm in females, males have sloped snout in lateral view, presence of vomerine teeth, absence of a bony crest in the occipital region of the skull, dorsal skin coarsely granular with white-tipped keratinized asperities, flank with white blotched pattern, dermal flaps absent on limbs, heel without dermal appendage, and tuberculate cloaca. The discovery of the new species enhances knowledge of the diversity of endemic Sulawesian amphibians and requires future conservation efforts, especially in light of ongoing threats such as agricultural expansion.

We describe a new species of leaflitter frog of the genus Noblella from southern Ecuador, province of Zamora Chinchipe. The new species is diagnosed from all its congeners by having one or two tubercles on the upper eyelids; distal phalanges strongly T-shaped; phalangeal formula on hands 2-2-3-3; phalangeal formula on feet 2-2-3-4-3; heel with a small subconical tubercle; disc on all toes with papillae; dorsum brown or brown with gray, with V-shaped inverted or scattered irregular darker marks. We include a detailed description of its osteology and a study of its phylogenetic relationships. Finally, we evaluate its conservation status and discuss the threats that are currently impacting at the type locality.

Within the genus Cacosternum, the species C. capense and C. namaquense form a clade defined by their robust morphology, large size, and distinct dorsolateral glands. In this study, we describe a third member of the group endemic to the Cederberg region of South Africa. Specimens from this area have historically been assigned to C. karooicum, but here we show that this population is genetically unrelated. Using a combination of molecular, morphological, and acoustic data, we provide evidence to show that the Cederberg population of C. karooicum represents an undescribed species within the C. capense group. The new species can be diagnosed from its closest phylogenetic relatives, C. capense and C. namaquense, by the absence of a dark streak running downwards from the pupil into the iris, the presence of large rictal glands that form an uninterrupted arc with the angle of the jaw, heart-shaped palmar tubercles, and an advertisement call with a dominant frequency below 2 kHz. We further discuss their natural history, distribution, and conservation.