A small (body length 17-19 mm) frog with long arms and large finger and toe discs that called exclusively from Pandanus trees in Upper Montane Forest during and after heavy rain.

Although many individuals were heard calling, their preferred perch sites were normally >5 m high making detection and collection of these cryptic frogs quite difficult.

Scientific Name

Albericus sp.

Where

Known only from a single patch of Upper Montane Forest at the base of the imposing cliffs of Mount Kumbepara in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea.

When

Discovered during Conservation International’s RAP expedition to the Kaijende Highlands of central Papua New Guinea in 2005.

Field Notes

Although known only from a single locality, this species was quite common in the mossy forests where it was discovered and suitable habitat is widespread in the general area. It is unlikely to be threatened.

Finder

Steve Richards (South Australian Museum)