[3] It is endemic to Borneo and found in both Indonesia (Kalimantan) and Malaysia (western Sabah).

[4] This species is named after John Whitehead, explorer who collected the type series from Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia.

[5] Meristogenys whiteheadi occur in hilly rainforests at elevations below 1,300 m (4,300 ft).

The tadpoles cling to the rocks in strong currents and feed on lithophytic algae.

This species is present in the Kinabalu, Crocker Range, and Kayan Mentarang National Parks[1]