marbled balloon frog (Uperodon systoma)

The amphibian fauna, functionally being an

important component of most terrestrial and

freshwater ecosystems, contributes significantly to

the biodiversity of a given area and serves as the

best indicator of environmental health.Amphibians

 play an important role in the

ecosystem as secondary consumers in food chains,

bio-monitors in controlling insect pests and also as

excellent ecological indicators owing to their high

degree of sensitivity to even a slight change in the

environment (Lips, 1998). The global decline in the

amphibian populations in recent years is alarming

and is a matter of great concern for biologists.

Description

Large to medium sized, round burrowing frog,
with toad like appearance. Snout short and blunt
with small eye. Fore limbs without webs with
rounded finger tip, first finger shorter than second.
Hind limbs are short with rudimentary webs. Two
well developed large and shovel shaped metatarsal
tubercles present, inner very large, as long as the
second toe. Tibio tarsal articulation reaches below
to the shoulder when hind limbs are extended and
bent.

Texture and colour

Skin smooth with few tuberculars. Dorsal body
colored olive or brown with dark blackish brown
marbled. Belly white.



Uperodon systoma in natural habitat