Endemic Philippine Frogs MINT Souvenir Sheet

Frogs on Stamps

The amphibians of the Philippines have not been given much attention by Filipino scientists and the Filipino as a whole. A major reason for this appears to be lack of appreciation of the role of these animals in nature and in human affairs. Except for students who are required to dissect frogs and toads in their introductory biology courses and people in rural areas who regularly eat certain species of frogs, people generally fail to see much use for these animals yet, amphibians for various biological reasons have been favorite subjects for experiments in developing biology.
While Philippine frogs are useful as food, their real scientific importance lies beyond this culinary use. They are in excellent group for scientific research. Aside from ecological and life history studies, investigations on their biodiversity, systematics, evolution, responses to climate change and conservation are sorely needed to understand the role of Philippine amphibians more fully.
The majority of Philippine frogs, especially the endemic species, live in primary lowland and mountain forests. Endemism is high (ca 70%). This is so because of favorable factors, like relative isolation of mountain peaks and separation of islands by sea barriers. Unfortunately, most endemic species face a high probability of extinction in the near future if the present rate of forest destruction continues.

The Philippine frogs featured are:
Spiny Tree Frog (Nyctixalus spinosus Taylor)- A small frog with slender body and limbs. Cranial and supralympanic crests crsts and numerous pointed and whitish tubercles present on the upper surfaces. Color in life is reddish-brown above. Eggs (30-40) are probably attached to walls of tree holes. Tadpoles were found in rainwater collected in hole at base of living tree (Agathis) in forest. Altitudinal range is from 500 to 1,100m.
Range: Basilan, Mindanao, and Bohol Islands
Truncate-Toed Chorus Frog (Kaloula conjuncta Peters) - A small to medium-sized frog with finger tips expanded and truncate. Skin above is smooth or with scattered small tubercles. Usually with a dark, obscure pattern on back. This frog burrows in soil or climbs vegetation. it is generally secretive except during breeding seasons when it forms large breeding congregations in ponds. Food consists of ants and beetles Altitudinal range is from sea level to 770 m. Four subspecies are currently recognized.
Range: Throughout the Philippines
Variable-Backed Frog (Rana signata Gunther) - A small to medium-sixed Frog with a somewhat slender body and long legs. Light dorso-lateral folds evident on back. Skin on back smooth or granular: Dight tips are slightly enlarged. Toes about three-fourths to fully webbed. The pattern of smottling on the back is variable. Inhabits mountain streams. Individuals have been observed in water or on rocks in close proximity to water. Altitudinal distribution is from sea level to 330 m. Three subspecies are currently recognized.
Range: Throughout the Philippines

Souvenir Sheet Face Value: PhP 15.00
Quantity in print : 10,000
Date of Issue: April 5,1999
Size of Stamps: 40mm X 30mm
Perforation: 14
Printing Process : Litho-Offset (4 colors)
Paper: Imported unwatermarked
Printer: Amstar Company, Inc
Layout Artist: Alfonso V. Divina
Desing Coordinators: Dr. Ngo Tiong Tak T.
Alfredo I. Principe
Photos and Information taken from the book "Philippine
Amphibians" (an illustrated Field Guide by Dr. Angel C. Alcala and Walter
C. Brown)

Selling Price: $2.50