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Osteocephalus vasquezi

Osteocephalus vasquezi

Peru
Status
Unknown

IUCN conservation assessment category

Habitat
Forest, Grassland, Freshwater, Mountain

Primary ecological niche & biome

Diet
small aquatic larvae, freshwater worms, and crawling insects

Dietary type and primary food source

Activity
nocturnal and crepuscular

Diurnal, nocturnal, or active patterns

Scientific Summary

GBIF Taxonomic Backbone & Wikipedia Registry Profile

Description of holotype. Adult male (Figs 4, 5), 51.4 mm SVL, head length 15.5 mm, head width 15.5 mm, eye diameter 5.3 mm, tympanum diameter 3.1 mm, femur length 23.7 mm, tibia length 28.0 mm, foot length 22.3 mm. Head narrower than body; snout truncate in lateral and dorsal views; canthus rostralis distinct and rounded; loreal region concave; internarial area depressed; nostrils slightly protuberant, directed laterally; interorbital area flat, with scattered small tubercles, lateral margins of the frontoparietals inconspicuous through skin; eye strongly protuberant; tympanic membrane evident, slightly wider than high, separated from eye by ca. 93 % of its diameter; tympanic annulus distinct. Tongue cordiform, widely attached to floor of mouth; vomerine odontophores angular, adjacent medially, posteromedial to choanae, bearing 9 and 8 (left / right) vomerine teeth; choanae with capsular shape, oblique; deflated vocal sacs distinct above the arms and below the ears. Axillary membrane present, reaching half the arm length; ulnar tubercles absent; relative length of fingers I <II <IV <III (Fig. 4); fingers bearing oval discs, that of Finger III about two thirds of tympanum diameter; subarticular tubercles prominent, round to ovoid except for slightly bifid distal subarticular tubercle of Finger IV; supernumerary tubercles present, distinct; palmar tubercle elongated; prepollical tubercle protuberant, elliptical; prepollex present; dark brown, keratinous nuptial excrescences covering inner surface of prepollex up to the intercalary cartilage of thumb; webbing basal between fingers I and II; webbing formula of fingers II 2 -- 3 III 3 -- 21 / 2 IV (Fig. 4). Small tubercles on tibiotarsal articulation; dorsal surface of tarsus covered by scattered minute keratinized conical tubercles, more abundant on outer edge; small tubercles scattered along ventrolateral edge of foot; toes bearing discs slightly wider than long, smaller than those of fingers; relative length of toes I <II <V <III <IV; outer metatarsal tubercle ill defined, small, round; inner metatarsal tubercle larger, ovoid; subarticular tubercles single, round, protuberant; supernumerary tubercles restricted to the soles; webbing formula of toes I 1 - 1 + II 1 - 1 + III 1 - 1 + IV 1 + - 1 V (Fig. 4). Skin on dorsum, head, and dorsal surfaces of hindlimbs shagreen, covered by conical tubercles with keratinized tips, tubercles minute on head and limbs; skin on flanks weakly areolate; skin on venter granular; skin on ventral surfaces of head smooth, on those of thighs smooth on the anterior half and granular on the posterior half, smooth on shanks. Cloacal opening directed posteriorly at upper level of thighs; short simple cloacal sheath covering cloacal opening; round tubercles around vent and on posterior surface of proximal third of thighs.
Biology & Conservation

Ecologically, the conservation status of Osteocephalus vasquezi is officially designated as Unknown. Current field registries estimate a global population composed of an unquantified number of individuals, making habitat preservation critical to maintaining their wild populations.

It is typically endemic to forest, grassland, freshwater, mountain, showing great physiological synergy with its surroundings. In terms of dietary preferences, it relies primarily on a diet of small aquatic larvae, freshwater worms, and crawling insects. It exhibits specialized adaptations centered around a nocturnal and crepuscular activity pattern, optimizing its energy conservation and interactions within its native ecosystem. The species has a typical natural lifespan of approximately 6 years, allowing it to adapt and mature through structured generational cycles.

Ongoing biological monitoring and ecological advocacy emphasize the importance of protecting this species. The stability of its food chain and the prevention of fragmentation in its primary range are vital for the continued survival of Osteocephalus vasquezi.

Energy & Activity Profile
Habitat & Adaptation Index
Quick Facts
Native RangePeru
Habitat RangeForest, Grassland, Freshwater, Mountain
Lifespan6 Yrs
StatusUnknown
ScientificOsteocephalus vasquezi
Registry Info
Lifespan6 years
KingdomAnimalia
FamilyHylidae