Mantella
 

 

Mantella bernhardi

Description: Mantella bernhardi has a dark brown to black dorsum, fading to gray near the head. The upper parts of the limbs are yellow, while the lower half is brown. They are one the smallest species of Mantella, with the largest individuals reaching only 22 mm (0.9 inches). The most distantly related member of the genus, M. bernhardi also has a unique trill-like call, which is very different from the usual clicks and chirps of other species.

Red List Conservation Status: Endangered


Distribution and Habitat: Found in lowland rainforests of southeast Madagascar. Only a handful of populations are known, one of which lies near the border of Ranomafana National Park. This population lives around temporary pools of stagnant water created by seasonal rainstorms. Habitat destruction is a large threat to unprotected populations.

Captive Care Notes: M. bernhardi appears very rarely in the North American pet trade. They have been bred successfully in captivity, but few to none are ever available to hobbyists. Anyone working with M. bernhardi should make a strong effort to breed their animals or get them into the hands of someone who already is so that this species is available in the future.

References

IUCN, Conservation International, and NatureServe. 2006. Global Amphibian Assessment. . 3 March 2007.

Vences, M., F. Glaw & W. Böhme (1999): A review of the genus Mantella (Anura, Ranidae, Mantellinae): taxonomy, distribution and conservation of Malagasy poison frogs. – Alytes 17 (1-2): 3-72.

   

© 2006 - Present Devin Edmonds