Adaptive Skin Morphology and Ecological Responses of Bornean Tree Frogs (Family: Rhacophoridae)

Aida Zulaikha Fityati, Sulaiman (2025) Adaptive Skin Morphology and Ecological Responses of Bornean Tree Frogs (Family: Rhacophoridae). Masters thesis, UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK.

	PDF dsva_Aida Zulaikha Fityati.pdf Restricted to Repository staff only Download (242kB)
	PDF (Please get the password by email to repository@unimas.my , or call ext: 3973 / 3942 / 3933) Thesis Ms_Aida Zulaikha Fityati.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (6MB)
	PDF Thesis Ms_Aida Zulaikha Fityati_24 pages.pdf Download (454kB)

Abstract

Previous studies on the skin of Bornean frogs have demonstrated that it functions as the first line of defense, protecting them against extreme heat, harmful substances, and prolonged ultraviolet radiation. However, detailed information about the skin’s components, particularly the types and distribution of glands, remains limited, as does its relationship with environmental parameters and ecological adaptation. This study was conducted to examine variations in the skin structure of selected Bornean tree frogs through histological analysis and to investigate the correlation between their habitats and skin histology. Environmental parameters assessed included water pH, water turbidity, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen (DO). The skin was divided into four sections and preserved in 10% formalin before undergoing histological processing. Haematoxylin and eosin staining was used to examine the skin structures. Nine skin features, including the epidermis and glands, were studied in the Bornean tree frogs. The study found that the ventral epidermis is thicker than the dorsal epidermis, likely to provide extra protection against abrasion and pathogens due to frequent contact with surfaces. Species such as Polypedates leucomystax, Polypedates otilophus, Polypedates colletti, and Rhacophorus pardalis have more mucous glands on the dorsal side, helping to protect the skin and retain moisture, reducing the risk of damage and dehydration. Seromucous glands were found throughout the skin of all studied species, suggesting their role in helping tree frogs adapt to drier habitats. Polypedates otilophus has larger granular glands, likely responsible to such strong unpleasant odours which act as a chemical defence to deter predators. The results showed that P. leucomystax exhibited the most noticeable skin differences, with seven out of nine features varying significantly (p<0.05), indicating more specialized skin adaptations. Spearman and Kendall correlations showed a significant positive correlation between seromucous glands and water pH (p=0.018 and p=0.014, respectively), suggesting that these glands variations help the frogs adapt to environments with higher pH levels, possibly in habitat with less acidic water conditions. In conclusion, the findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the relationship between skin adaptations in Bornean tree frogs and the quality of their surrounding environment.

Actions (For repository members only: login required)

View Item