Review of Related Literature

2.1 On the Tree Frog Polypedates leucomystax2.1.1. CharacteristicsPolypedates leucomystax, also known as the Bamboo Tree Frog, Common Tree Frog, Four-lined Tree Frog, and White-lipped Tree Frog, belongs to the Family Rhacophoridae. They are nocturnal and arboreal. Their characteristics are varied due to their current diversity crisis. These frogs are slender, with a pointed snout and prominent eyes. Iskandar (1998) describes the frog as having smooth and yellowish brown skin with black spots or six lines from the head and extending to the tail (as cited in Pearlindah, Kusumawati, Wulandari, & Listyorini, 2012). The Tree Frog has many ecological benefits. They are important biological indicators, and they can also serve as a natural insecticide, as in all amphibians. Their diet was thought to have consisted of only invertebrates but it includes other common geckos as well.2.1.2. Habitat and DistributionThe species is widely distributed, found throughout northeast India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Singapore, the Philippines, Borneo, Mentawai, Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, Bali, Lombok, Natuna Islands, Anambas Islands, Sumbawa, Sumba, Flores, Timor, Papua, and Japan (Diesmos et. al., 2004). Tree frogs live in a natural, unpolluted habitat and serve as ecological indicators, signifying danger of environment quality decrease when there is a decrease of population in a particular habitat. They are also found in dampwooded areas, needing water for reproducing species (Pearlindah, Kusumawati, Wulandari, & Listyorini, 2012). They are very adaptable and occur in a wide variety of habitats from agricultural areas, ditches, artificial ponds, lakes, gardens, and even houses. They are largely dependent on human environments for their habitat. This species is classified as Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to their diverse habitats and ability to adapt to different environments. However, Diesmos et. al. (2004) notes that there is still a diversity crisis concerning this frog. 2.1.3. Breeding, Reproduction, and Life CycleAccording to Tapley (2008), Polypedates leucomystax species breed during warmer months when in captivity. In places where areas are wetter breeding is reportedly year round. Polypedates leucomystax is a sexually dimorphic species. Male frogs of this species congregate around bodies of water and attract female frogs by calling them with a nasal quack. In response, female frogs tap their toes and the male frogs start to move closer to the females. Once the male and female are in amplexus, the female deposits eggs on a surface above water and the male fertilizes them. Adults need branching over hanging-water on which they would make their foam nest. This is a twelve-hour process that ends with a foamy mass containing the fertilized eggs. The embryo that was developed in the foam until it reaches a particular stage will move to escape from the foam and fall into the water where it would continue its development. Once this foam nest is hardened, it can be removed to facilitate the collection of tadpoles. It is essential that there is water directly below the nest for larvae to drop down into (Tapley, 2008). These larvae are opportunistic predators as they consume everything they can. The hatching to metamorphosis would amount to approximately 7 weeks. These frogs have an average life span of 6-8 years.