This very rare species is endemic to Madagascar and is only found in two small habitat fragments in the vicinity of Ambohitantely.
Surveys at other potential locations around the area have not found any additional populations. This species is part of the Microhylid frog family and molecular data has shown that the initial divergence of the Microhylidae family to have taken place about 66 millions of years ago, or immediately after the Cretaceous extinction event. This species is at threat due to their forest habitat disappearing at an alarmingly rapid rate. This deforestation is due to the impacts of fire, illegal woodcutting and overgrazing by livestock. No suitable habitat is found anywhere nearby. This species occurs in the Ambohitantely Special Reserve, however the reserve is poorly protected and better management is required.
- Order: Anura
- Family: Microhylidae
- Population: Very rare
- Trend: decreasing
This species is known only from two small habitat fragments near Ambohitantely, Central Madagascar, around 1,500 metres above sea level.
Habitat and Ecology
This is a terrestrial species that inhabits montane forest. Its breeding behaviour is unknown, but it is likely to involve terrestrial nests with non-feeding larvae.