Species information
Scientific name: Zhangixalus amamiensis
Japanese name: アマミアオガエル
Chinese name: 奄美樹蛙
English name: Amami tree frog
Origin: Amami Oshima, Kakeromajima, Ukejima, Yoroshima, Tokunoshima
Ecology and description
The Amami tree frog was originally classified as a subspecies of the Okinawa tree frog (Zhangixalus viridis). However, following genetic research and morphological analysis, it was elevated to a distinct species.
In terms of morphological characteristics, the Amami tree frog is similar to the Okinawa tree frog, with a primarily bright green body. However, it is significantly larger in size, with adult females reaching a snout-vent length of over 70 mm. The dorsal skin is smooth, and the belly is mostly white or pale yellow. This species primarily inhabits primary forests or mature secondary forests in mountainous areas, and its breeding season occurs in winter (approximately from December to the following May).
References: Matsui, M. (2019). A new species of Zhangixalus from the Amami Group, Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan (Amphibia, Anura, Rhacophoridae). Current Herpetology, 38(2), 118-126.
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
During the 【Other Islands】 tour on Amami Oshima, this species was observed breeding by the side of a pond.
