Long-toed Tree Frog (Leptopelis xenodactylus)
Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 242536500
Learning to Listen: Amplifying the voice of an Endangered fossorial endemic frog as an indicator of montane ecosystem health
The proposed project will take place at two sites in the Underberg area of the southern Drakensberg; one within an active agricultural space, and one within a newly created protected area, bordering the Maloti Drakensberg Park, providing an excellent opportunity for comparative studies within two land-use scenarios. The project objectives are: 1. Implementation of long-term species and habitat monitoring builds a picture of population dynamics to assess responses to management interventions, such as wetland rehabilitation, and grazing and burning regimes, as well as contribute to IUCN threat status (Red List) assessments. Such habitat monitoring will also improve understanding of the hydro-geomorphic dynamics of the wetland ecosystems favoured by L. xenodactylus (i.e. hummock-rich seasonal grass-sedge wetlands) that will be important for predicting threats and risks and the need for associated management interventions. 2. Improved understanding of habitat requirements supports identification of management interventions, including wetland rehabilitation needs, to support recovery of Leptopelis xenodactylus, at two sites within 12 months, with a view to expanding this methodology to other sites across the range in the longer term. 3. Landowner and community engagement highlights the uniqueness of L. xenodactylus and supports broader habitat protection and management processes.