Xenopus boumbaensis, the Mawa clawed frog, is a species of frog in the family Pipidae.[3][4][5] It is known from a few localities in central and south-eastern Cameroon, and from north-western Republic of Congo and extreme south-western Central African Republic; it probably occurs more widely in the central African forest belt, but identification is difficult:[1] it is one of the cryptic species that resemble Xenopus fraseri, from which it can be distinguished by chromosome number (2n=72) and a male advertisement call of a single note.[1][3]
The specific name boumbaensis refers to the type locality (Mawa) that is within the Boumba River drainage.[2][3]
Adult males can grow to 37 mm (1.5 in) and females to 53 mm (2.1 in) in snout–vent length.[6] All Xenopus are characterized by a streamlined and flattened body, a vocal organ specialized for underwater sound production, lateral-line organs, claws on the innermost three toes, and fully webbed toes.[6] The coloration is green with numerous spots posteriorly and on the hind limbs. The venter can be immaculate white but is often heavily spotted.[2]
Xenopus boumbaensis is an octoploid species (2n=72).[2][6]
This species occurs in aquatic habitats in the lowland rainforest region at elevations of 337–550 m (1,106–1,804 ft) above sea level. It is typically found in forested habitats in slow-flowing forest streams and springs, but may also be found in swamps. Reproduction presumably involves free-living larvae. It is threatened by deforestation and habitat degradation as well as water pollution. It is known from a number of protected areas: Boumba Bek, Nki, and Lobeke National Parks in Cameroon, Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve in the Central African Republic, and the Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo.[1]
Xenopus boumbaensis, the Mawa clawed frog, is a species of frog in the family Pipidae. It is known from a few localities in central and south-eastern Cameroon, and from north-western Republic of Congo and extreme south-western Central African Republic; it probably occurs more widely in the central African forest belt, but identification is difficult: it is one of the cryptic species that resemble Xenopus fraseri, from which it can be distinguished by chromosome number (2n=72) and a male advertisement call of a single note.
