https://stm2.bookpi.org/ATBMNPV <p>Amphibian larvae (tadpoles) constitute a pivotal yet comparatively understudied phase in the life history of anurans. While adult morphology has traditionally formed the basis of taxonomic and ecological research, larval stages provide equally valuable insights into species identity, developmental strategies, and evolutionary adaptation. This is particularly true in tropical regions, where high species richness and ecological complexity are often accompanied by a lack of comprehensive larval descriptions.</p> <p>Bach Ma National Park, situated within the Annamite Range of central Vietnam, represents one of the region’s most significant centers of biodiversity. The park encompasses a broad elevational gradient, from lowland evergreen forests to montane ecosystems, under the influence of a humid tropical monsoon climate characterized by high rainfall and persistent moisture. This environmental heterogeneity gives rise to a wide spectrum of freshwater habitats, including perennial streams, forest pools, and ephemeral water bodies, which collectively sustain a diverse and abundant amphibian assemblage. Despite this recognized importance, larval stages of amphibians within the park have, until now, remained virtually undocumented.</p> <p>The present monograph seeks to address this gap by providing a comprehensive treatment of the morphology, development, and diagnostic characteristics of tadpoles from selected anuran species occurring in the study area. A total of 16 species are documented herein, including two species newly recorded for Bach Ma National Park, <em>Nanohyla marmorata</em> and <em>Rhacophorus kio</em>. These findings not only expand the known species composition of the park but also underscore the importance of larval studies in revealing hidden components of amphibian diversity.</p> <p>This work integrates detailed descriptions of external morphology, oral disc configuration, keratodont arrangement, and microstructures of keratodont, accompanied by analyses of morphometric ratios across developmental stages. Such an approach enables a more refined understanding of ontogenetic variation, facilitates reliable species identification, and contributes to broader discussions on functional morphology and ecological adaptation in amphibian larvae.</p> <p>Furthermore, this monograph highlights species of conservation concern, for which larval information remains fragmentary or absent. By documenting developmental sequences and key diagnostic features, the study establishes a scientific foundation for future taxonomic research, ecological monitoring, and conservation initiatives, including the development of captive breeding programs and strategies for sustainable management.</p> <p>It is hoped that this volume will serve not only as a reference for herpetologists and taxonomists, but also as a resource for ecologists, conservation biologists, and practitioners engaged in biodiversity assessment and management. More broadly, it is intended to encourage further investigation into amphibian larval biology, an area that remains rich in unanswered questions and essential to a holistic understanding of amphibian diversity.</p> en-US Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000 OJS 3.3.0.10 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 https://stm2.bookpi.org/ATBMNPV/article/view/1378 <p>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. </p> <p>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—<em>Nanohyla marmorata</em> and <em>Rhacophorus kio</em>—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.</p> Hoang Ngoc Thao, Le Thi Quy, Hoang Xuan Quang Copyright (c) 2026 Author(s). The licensee is the publisher (BP International). https://stm2.bookpi.org/ATBMNPV/article/view/1378 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000