Discovering guardian frogs in Brunei

Discover UBD, the official magazine of the University of Brunei Darussalam (UBD), featured my work on the smooth guardian frog (Limnonectes palavanensis).

The article details my time conducting fieldwork in the rainforest of the Ulu Temburong National Park, where I studied this remarkable species known for its male parental care, an extremely rare trait among Southeast Asian frogs. While most frogs abandon their eggs, males of L. palavanensis guard their clutches under leaves and even transport tadpoles on their backs to water bodies.

The Bruneian rainforest is home to more than 70 amphibian species—but only one is known for this kind of male caregiving. My research, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Ulmar Grafe, focused on understanding the mating system and communication strategies of this species. Using recordings, playback experiments, and behavioral observations at the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre (KBFSC), I aimed to uncover the secretive lives of these frogs.

It was a joy and a privilege to contribute to Brunei’s growing body of biodiversity research and to be part of UBD’s vibrant community of scholars and field researchers.

March 2015