BRIN Finds New Frog In Sulawesi Forest, Named For Legend

The new tree frog species is endemic to Sulawesi, Rhacophorus boeiadi. BETWEEN/HO-BRIN

JAKARTA - A research team from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has succeeded in identifying a new endemic tree frog species from Sulawesi Island. The dwarfs were found in two different locations, namely Gunung Katopasa, Central Sulawesi and Mount Gandang Dewata, West Sulawesi.

This species is named Rhacophorus boeasii, as a form of respect for the late Drs Boeadi, a naturalist and senior scientist of the Zoologicalum Bogoriense Museum (MZB), who has contributed to the development of zoology and conservation of amphibious animals in Indonesia.

"This shirt is medium-sized. Male has a body length of about 40'45 millimeters, while the female can reach 48'54 millimeters," said BRIN Herpetology Researcher Amir Hamidy in a written statement received in Jakarta, Antara, Wednesday, June 11.

In addition to its size, Amir explained that this species has characteristics in the form of a tilted male nose, rough back skin with a white spot, and a white patch pattern on the body's side.

The determination of this frog as a new species was carried out after going through a series of thorough analysis, including morphology, genetics, and the sound of male calling.

"Our analysis shows that this frog is an never-described species before," said Amir.

He called this discovery evidence of the wealth of the Sulawesi Island biodiversity, which is included in the Wallacea region known for its high level of endemism, especially in amphibious groups.

But behind that pride, Amir also expressed concern. The reason is, this natural habitat of frog is in the forest of highlands that are prone to damage due to deforestation and climate change.

"We are worried because the habitat is very specialized and is now under pressure. If it is not guarded, this new species could be immediately threatened," he said.

With the discovery of Rhacophorus Boeadi, Amir hopes that all parties, both the government, society, and the scientific community, can increase their concern for the Indonesian endemic environment and species.

"Refuge conservation is the main key so that biological wealth like this doesn't disappear before we really know it," said Amir.

This finding has been published in the international scientific journal Zootaxa (Vol. 5569, No. 2: 201230), and is an important reference in the study of Indonesian taxonomy and biodiversity conservation.