Mantella cowani is sharply patterned in contrasting colors. Their entire body is black, with the exception of yellow, orange, or red blotches where their limbs meet their body. These blotches often extend down their limbs. They are a large species of Mantella, with some big females reaching 31 mm (1.2 inches).
The few existing wild populations are in the highlands of south-central Madagascar, where they are confined to small moors near streams. The surrounding area is deforested, and consists of grassland, leftover from repeated slash and burn agriculture. Hybrids of M. baroni and M. cowani naturally occur within one population. They are one of the most endangered amphibians in Madagascar, having had their populations harmed by both habitat destruction and the pet trade.
Due to their dwindling wild populations and the harm heavy collecting had on them in the recent past, all exports of M. cowani were put on hold in 2003 and remain so currently. While available, they were in high demand, but unfortunately did not always end up in the right hands, and few individuals remain in captivity today. They’ve proven difficult to breed, and captive-bred frogs are not available. Only time will tell if this species will succeed and remain in captive collections, or fade away as the last of the wild-caught imports die.
The captive care of M. cowani is similar to other mantellas, but because they are native to higher altitudes than others, they require very cool temperatures. Temperatures should remain below 23°C-25°C (73°F-77°F) most of the time, with extended exposure to high temperatures resulting in heat stress and death. At night or during a simulated dry season, the temperature in the terrarium can drop as low as 14°C-15°C (57°F-59°F). They are a shy frog in captivity, normally only coming out from hiding when food is available.
Mantella cowani Photo Gallery
Please submit additional photographs to devin@amphibiancare.com
References
AmphibiaWeb: Information on amphibian biology and conservation. [web application]. 2007. Berkeley, California: AmphibiaWeb. Available: http://amphibiaweb.org/. (Accessed: Feb 21, 2007).
Staniszewski, Marc. Mantellas. 1st ed. Frankfurt: Chimaira, 2001. 170-172.
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.
