Rhacophorus rizali - Extant Species

Animal Profile

Animal Name: Rhacophorus rizali
Scientific Name: Rhacophorus pardalis (modern classification)

Physical Description:
An eye-catching tree frog with a reddish-brown body, webbed fingers and toes, and bright yellow, white, or blue spots. Its limbs are long and slender, and its vivid red digits help it glide between trees. Known for building foam nests above water and for its ability to perform “controlled flying” across several meters—an adaptation that keeps it safe from ground predators.

Habitat:
Found in Southeast Asian forests, including the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Thrives in freshwater marshes, moist lowland forests, and canopy-rich environments.

Existence Status / Date:
Still extant, though threatened by habitat loss
Originally named Rhacophorus rizali in 1899 by German zoologist Oskar Boettger, in honor of Dr. José Rizal, who collected the specimen during his exile in Dapitan (1892–1896) A B

Source of Information:

• FlipScience – Species Named After Rizal A
• FlipScience – Frog Named After Rizal B

Content Summary:
Rhacophorus rizali is a gliding tree frog once named after José Rizal, who collected and sent the specimen to Germany. Though now officially classified as Rhacophorus pardalis, the tribute remains a testament to Rizal’s contributions to zoology and biodiversity.

Tags: Flying Frog, Rizal’s Legacy, Southeast Asia
Hashtags: #RhacophorusRizali #RizalTheNaturalist #GlidingAmphibian