Indonesia's biodiversity has grown once again with the discovery of a new shrub frog species from the genus Philautus on the slopes of Mount Merapi. The discovery, identified by a research team from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), has been officially given the scientific name Philautus candrageni sp. nov.
The research team, led by Alamsyah Elang Nusa Herlambang, managed to reveal the existence of this species after conducting a series of intensive field surveys from 2017 to 2025. The identification process was carried out using an integrative taxonomic method combining morphological analysis, mitochondrial DNA-based molecular genetic studies, and bioacoustic research to distinguish its characteristics from its closest relatives.
Philautus candrageni has fairly unique physical characteristics, including medium body size, a head structure with a distinct canthus rostralis, and a relatively smooth dorsal skin texture. One of the most striking distinctions from other shrub frogs is its mating call pattern, which features three distinct notes—a finding that enriches amphibian biodiversity data on Java Island.
According to a report published in the international journal Zootaxa in the March 2026 edition, this species' native habitat is limited to mountainous regions and plantation areas. Given its narrow distribution range, researchers warn of the frog's high vulnerability to habitat degradation and environmental changes caused by human activity.
BRIN emphasized the importance of targeted conservation measures to protect Philautus candrageni so that its population sustainability in the wild is maintained. Beyond being a new discovery, this study also makes a significant contribution to clarifying the taxonomic status of other species on Java Island while strengthening the national scientific database regarding the rich endemic fauna of the archipelago.
