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Cover of A Review of the Middle American Tree Frogs of the Genus Ptychohyla

A Review of the Middle American Tree Frogs of the Genus Ptychohyla

Written by William Edward Duellman

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AmphibiansPtychohyla

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About this book

"A Review of the Middle American Tree Frogs of the Genus Ptychohyla" by William E. Duellman is a scientific publication written in the early 1960s. The work focuses extensively on the anatomy, morphology, and ecological characteristics of the Ptychohyla frogs found in the cloud forests of Middle America. It likely serves as a vital resource for researchers and enthusiasts interested in the taxonomy and biology of these specific hylid frogs. The opening of the publication lays the groundwork for a detailed analysis of the Ptychohyla genus, highlighting the obscure status of many species due to limited previous research. Duellman discusses his own efforts in collecting specimens, recording breeding calls, and the challenges faced in studying these frogs in their natural mountainous habitats. He provides insight into the methodology of his research and the background of prior studies, indicating the need for a comprehensive overview of the species known up to that time, as well as the various life history aspects that remain under-explored.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in A Review of the Middle American Tree Frogs of the Genus Ptychohyla, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 12 hours
  • advanced
  • Informative
  • Rigorous
  • Systematic

William E. Duellman's "A Review of the Middle American Tree Frogs of the Genus Ptychohyla" is a pivotal scientific monograph from the early 1960s, meticulously detailing the anatomy, morphology, and ecological characteristics of *Ptychohyla* frogs inhabiting Middle American cloud forests. Addressing the previously obscure status of many species, Duellman's work establishes a foundational taxonomic framework through extensive fieldwork, specimen collection, and innovative recording of breeding calls. This publication serves as an indispensable resource for herpetologists and researchers, offering a comprehensive overview of the genus, its species, and the challenges inherent in studying these amphibians in their mountainous natural habitats, thereby advancing the understanding of Neotropical anuran biodiversity.

“The genus *Ptychohyla* has remained obscure primarily because of the lack of adequate series of specimens and insufficient data on variation, ecological distribution, and life history.”

Key themes

Taxonomy and Systematics
This is the overarching theme, as the publication's primary goal is to clarify the classification, identification, and evolutionary relationships within the *Ptychohyla* genus. Duellman addresses the 'obscure status' of species by providing detailed morphological descriptions, comparative analyses, and the integration of bioacoustic data to define species boundaries and establish a robust taxonomic framework.
Field Herpetology and Methodology
The book implicitly highlights the arduous yet essential nature of fieldwork in scientific research. Duellman's account of collecting specimens and recording calls in challenging mountainous habitats underscores the practical difficulties and meticulous planning required for robust data collection in natural environments. It showcases the methods and techniques crucial for studying cryptic and geographically restricted species.
Biodiversity Documentation and Conservation
By providing a comprehensive review of the *Ptychohyla* genus, Duellman contributes significantly to the documentation of Middle American amphibian biodiversity. This foundational knowledge is critical for understanding the richness of life in specific ecosystems, identifying areas of high endemism, and providing baseline data against which future changes (e.g., population declines, habitat loss) can be measured. Though not explicitly a conservation text, its detailed documentation is a prerequisite for effective conservation.

Worth discussing

How does Duellman's methodology, particularly the inclusion of breeding call analysis, represent an advancement in amphibian taxonomy for its time?

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