Anuran Tadpoles of Bach Ma National Park, Vietnam

In more recent years, descriptions of tadpoles increasingly accompany the publication of new species or taxonomic revisions. This study was conducted to determine the diversity of tadpoles of amphibian species in Bach Ma National Park, Vietnam. Field research was carried out between 2009 and 2014 in Bach Ma National Park. Tadpole samples were collected directly from streams within the National Park and then brought to the laboratory for morphological and genetic analysis to determine the scientific names of the species. 

Between 2009 and 2014, tadpole specimens were collected from 10 sampling sites in Bach Ma National Park. A total of 457 specimens representing 16 species were examined for morphological analysis and description. Species identification was conducted using an integrative approach, including morphological comparisons, rearing tadpoles through metamorphosis, and molecular analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene. Relationships among morphological variables were assessed using linear regression analysis. The research results have determined tadpoles of 16 anuran species, belonging to 14 genera and six families. Notably, two species—Nanohyla marmorata and Rhacophorus kio—were newly recorded for the amphibian fauna of the national park. The study also presented detailed of tadpole morphology, including oral disc structure and labial tooth row formula, as well as analyses of their distribution patterns in relation to habitat types, altitudinal gradients, and environmental characteristics.