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Frogs in Madagascar
Madagascar is thought to have more than 300 species of frogs, 99% 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 color frogs to advertise their toxic skin secretions to predators. Using an opposite survivial strategy are the Mantidactylus which rely on cryptic camouflage instead of guady 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.
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