About
Rhombophryne analamaina is a species only known from its type locality (the place it was originally found), and the total area in which this species occurs is only 10km²! It is likely however, to be more widespread within a small range of suitable habitat north of its type locality.
Molecular data has shown that the initial divergence of the Microhylidae family to have taken place about 66 millions of years ago, around the time of the Cretaceous extinction event. This species can be found in high densities at its type locality, but due to ongoing declines in the extent and quality of habitat, the population is decreasing.
There is high levels of habitat degradation as a result of logging, the creating of roads and clearance for agriculture (for crops and livestock grazing) ad fire (including slash and burn practices), leading to the fragmentation of remaining habitat. This species does not occur within the boundaries of a protected area and has no formal protection. Therefore, protection and management of remaining forest fragments is urgently needed in the face of ongoing threats.
- Order: Anura
- Family: Microhylidae
- Population: Common
- Trend: decreasing
EDGE Score
Distribution
This species has only been found along the road between Antsohihy and Mandritsara in north western Madagascar, at 140 metres above sea level. It is likely to be more widespread within a small range of suitable habitat north and northeast of Antsohihy.
Habitat and Ecology
Individuals of this species were found in the leaf litter close to a stream and in a small fragment of dry deciduous forest. This area was very patchy and heavily degraded that the fragment was no more than 20m wide on each side of the stream. It breeds in foam nests by larval development, where tadpoles emerge from the eggs.