About
Cophyla puellarum is endemic to Madagascar and is found only in the Montagne d’Ambre National Park.
It is believed to be a local endemic since it has not been found elsewhere despite intensive surveys in other areas of northern Madagascar. The holotype (upon which the description and name of a new species is based) was found during the day, with metamorphosing tadpoles in a tree hole in highland forest. One female that was found contained 21 eggs. As this species does not occur near the forest edges of the Montagne d’Ambre National Park, it is at low risk of large-scale habitat loss from agricultural expansion and logging. However, there are signs of recent and ongoing anthropogenic habitat modification on a smaller scale at the known localities of this species. Continued efforts to maintain the integrity of the park boundaries is required. This species of frog is part of the Microhylidae (the “Narrow-mouthed frogs”) family, which diverged from all other amphibians about 80 million years ago, which is around the same time that beavers and mice shared a common ancestor.
- Order: Anura
- Family: Microhylidae
- Population: Unknown
- Trend: decreasing
EDGE Score
Distribution
This species is only known from Montagne d’Ambre National Park, Diana Region, northern Madagascar, between 1,246-1,306 metres above sea level.
Habitat and Ecology
This species is found in primary montane rainforest. They can be found calling, typically from low perches of around 100-150cm above the ground on leaves, but on a few cases also from higher perches around 2m above the ground. It presumably breeds by larval development; meaning tadpoles emerge from the eggs, inside tree holes.