Frogs of Madagascar



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 AreaSpecies
Marojejy60
Andringitra55
Masoala44
Ranomafana41
Andasibe Mantadia36
Montagne d'Ambre34
Marotandrano19
Ambohitantely17
Isalo15
Kirindy Mitea15
Bemaraha13
Ambohijanahary9
Zombitse-Vohibasia8
Kasijy6
Bora5
Namoroka5
Maningoza4
Bemarivo3
Tsimanampetsotsa1


List of all frog species in Madagascar