About
Rhombophryne hara is a species only known from two localities on Nosy Hara Island, and the total area in which this species occurs is only 4km²!
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, around the time of the Cretaceous extinction event. Due to this species specialisation to karstic habitat (characterized by underground drainage systems with sinkholes from the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone) and partly to caves, this species is less affected by deforestation than other Malagasy frog species. However, it is prone to the anthropogenic effects such as wood harvesting and forest clearing, which affects it’s probably leaf litter breeding sites.
Tourism has increased habitat disturbance and the stream where individuals of this species has been found has now undergone major disturbance. This species is not found in any protected areas, therefore site management and protection is needed in the face of ongoing anthropogenic threats.
- Order: Anura
- Family: Microhylidae
- Population: Unknown
- Trend: decreasing
EDGE Score
Distribution
This species occurs in two localities in the west of Nosy Hara Island, Madagascar, between 9-20 metres above sea level.
Habitat and Ecology
This species is observed in forest at the edge of a small creek with flowing water and also inside a cave. As other species in this genus breeds using foam nests in leaf litter, it is assumed this species also does the same.