The Shiro Corporation - Pulau Sulawesi once again reaffirms its position as a world paradise of biodiversity. A research team from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has recently succeeded in identifying a new species of tree frog from the genus. Rhacophorus found in two key areas of the Wallacea region: Mount Katopasa (Central Sulawesi) and Mount Gandang Dewata (West Sulawesi).
This discovery not only enriches the list of endemic fauna in Indonesia, but also importantly warns us about the need for conservation amidst the threats of climate change and natural habitat destruction.
<failed> Rhacophorus boeadii : Endemic Unique Species
The new species was named Rhacophorus boeadii , as a tribute to the late Drs. Boeadi, a naturalist from the Museum Zoologicum Bogoriense (MZB) who dedicated his life to research and conservation of Indonesian herpetofauna.
According to Amir Hamidy, a herpetology researcher from BRIN, R. boeadii possessing morphological characteristics that are distinct from three endemic Rhacophorus species on Sulawesi, namely R. edentulus, R. georgii, dan R. monticola .
"The frog is of medium size, with the body length of males around 40-45 mm and females 48-54 mm. Other distinctive features include the sloping snout of males, rough skin on the back with white spots, as well as a pattern of white spots on the sides of the body," said Amir on the BRIN website.
It is not only in terms of appearance; genetic differences and variations in the call characters of males also reinforce their status. R. boeadii as a valid new scientific species. This species does not even have skin folds or bumps on the heel like those commonly found in other species.
Long Survey and In-depth Analysis
This discovery is not the result of brief observations. The BRIN research team conducted intensive surveys over the period of 2016-2019 at both mountain locations. Through morphological analysis, DNA genetics, to audio recordings, all data consistently show that this species has truly never been previously described.
Uniqueness of morphology R. boeadii for example:
- Body size: 40.4–44.6 mm (male), 48.1–54.2 mm (female)
- The nose is slanted when viewed from the side.
- The presence of vomerine teeth and the absence of a peak bone in the rear part of the skull.
- Rough back with white keratin bumps
- White spots or patches on the side of the body are noticeable.
- There are no skin folds on the limbs and protrusions on the heel.
Sulawesi and Wallacea: Hotspots of Biodiversity at Risk
Sulawesi Island is part of the Wallacea biogeographical region, known for its very high level of endemism, particularly among amphibian groups. However, the rapid rate of land use change and global climate change pose serious threats to the sustainability of species such as Rhacophorus boeadii .
"We are very enthusiastic about this discovery as it broadens our understanding of the unique biodiversity wealth of Sulawesi. However, we are also concerned because its habitat, which is specific to highland forests, is very vulnerable," Amir explained.
Highland areas such as Katopasa and Gandang Dewata are critical habitats for this species, and their conservation should be a serious concern.
The results of this research have been published in an international scientific journal. Zootaxa (Vol. 5569 No. 2: Hal. 201–230), and serves as an important reference for taxonomic, evolutionary studies, as well as conservation strategies for endemic Indonesian amphibians moving forward.
Penemuan Rhacophorus boeadii Adding to the long list of unique Indonesian fauna that remains largely undiscovered. But more importantly, this discovery is a signal to the scientific community and policymakers to continue strengthening conservation efforts, particularly in the unique and vulnerable Wallacea region.
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