About
Boophis ankarafensis is endemic to Madagascar and is restricted to the Ankfara forest fragment.
This species is part of the Mantellidae frog family, which diverged from all other amphibian lineages about 50 million years ago, which makes them as dissimilar from their closest relatives as porcupines are from chinchillas. In a transect of 3km, an average of three specimens were collected per 200 metres of stream within a forest fragment. However, in other forest fragments in northwest Madagascar, e.g. in Salahamalaza and Benavony, surveys have failed to detect the species. It has been mapped to an approximate area of suitable habitat of only 61km². Their habitat is under threat from slash and burn practices for small holder agriculture, hardwood logging and the expansion of human settlements. A biosphere reserve has recently been designated in the area, and the Ankarafa Forest receives protection and contains a core protected zone, which seems to have halted farming activities, but enforcement is lacking. The peninsula and coastal waters surrounding the species’ range have recently be designated as the Réserve de la Biosphère du Sahamalaza-Iles Radama.
- Order: Anura
- Family: Mantellidae
- Population: Common
- Trend: decreasing
EDGE Score
Distribution
This species is found and restricted to the Ankarafa forest fragment on the Sahamalaza peninsula in northwest Madagascar, 100-150 metres above sea level.
Habitat and Ecology
This species is arboreal, living in lowland gallery forests, where it breeds in streams. The species has not been found outside of forest cover and appears to be sensitive to anthropogenic disturbance. Calling and breeding activity is most intense during the first few months of the rainy season.