Sri Lankan Tribal Rock Frog

The Sri Lanka tribal rock frog was described as a new species in 2007 and is endemic to Sri Lanka, known from two localities in Ampara and Monaragala Districts. Males measure 24 to 36 mm and females 32 to 44 mm. It has a depressed head wider than long, a rounded snout, no webbing, brown upper surfaces marbled yellow-white, yellow-white bars on the limbs and an unmarked yellow-white belly. Its name refers to the naeyaka, the spirits of deceased relatives in the beliefs of the Vedda people living near the type locality (Wikipedia, general species account).

It is associated with seasonal streams with rock crevices on hillsides at 200 to 620 m, in country of scattered trees and grass. It is active only for a short period from December to February, and hides underground outside the rainy season. It is more active at night. Nationally Critically Endangered (Sri Lanka National Red List 2012).