Frogs of Madagascar —

Boophis (?) frog at Andasibe Boophis frog, Masoala NP Mantella aurantiaca frog Mantella laevigata Tomato frog Painted Mantella Mantella madagascariensis, Ranomafana

Madagascar is thought to have more than 300 species of frogs, 99 percent of which are endemic. Frogs are the only amphibians found in Madagascar—there are no toads, salamanders, or newts.

Mantella are among the most popular of Malagasy frogs in the pet trade. These strikingly beautiful frogs fill a similar ecological niche to the poison dart frogs of South America in that both use bright colors to advertise their toxic skin secretions to predators. Using an opposite survival strategy are the Mantidactylus, which rely on cryptic camouflage instead of gaudy colors.

Madagascar is also home to tree frogs (Boophis, Heterixalus) and a group of toad-like frogs including the Tomato frog (Dyscophus antongili), which releases a sticky glue-like secretion that protects it against colubrid snakes, cats, and dogs. The secreted substance can produce an allergic reaction in humans as well.

Madagascar frog photos
List of all frog species in Madagascar

Frog species counts for selected parks according to ANGAP:

Protected Area		Species
Marojejy		60
Andringitra		55
Masoala		44
Ranomafana		41
Andasibe Mantadia		36
Montagne d'Ambre		34
Marotandrano		19
Ambohitantely		17
Isalo		15
Kirindy Mitea		15
Bemaraha		13
Ambohijanahary		9
Zombitse-Vohibasia		8
Kasijy		6
Bora		5
Namoroka		5
Maningoza		4
Bemarivo		3
Tsimanampetsotsa		1

List of all frog species in Madagascar

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