Malagasy rainbow frog

One of the most colourful frogs in the world

The Malagasy rainbow frog is considered one of the most richly decorated frogs on the planet. Its skin is a mosaic of bright red, black, green and white, arranged in complex patterns that make it a small living jewel. It is a small frog with a stout body and forefingers tipped with suction pads that let it climb rock walls, while its hind legs are adapted for digging into the ground.

Habitat and distribution

It is endemic to Madagascar, where it lives in the canyons and rocky environments of the Isalo massif, in the south-central part of the island. It frequents the gorges carved by seasonal streams, where it breeds quickly by taking advantage of the temporary pools formed by the rains.

Behaviour and reproduction

For much of the year it stays hidden, buried in the ground or in rock crevices, to protect itself from drought. With the arrival of the rains it emerges and breeds explosively in temporary pools: the tadpoles develop very rapidly before the water evaporates. It feeds on small invertebrates.

Curiosities

In 2008 the Zoological Society of London listed it among the rarest and most remarkable amphibians on the planet. Its spectacular colours, however, make it highly sought after: thousands of individuals are captured every year for the terrarium trade.

Conservation

The IUCN classifies the species as Endangered. The main threats are capture for the exotic pet trade and habitat destruction. Its restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable.