Painted burrowing frog (Scaphiophryne gottlebei)

Species information

Images

Threats

Thousands of painted burrowing frogs are captured for the pet trade each year, and although the species is considered to be critically endangered, this is mainly as a result of its small range. It locally abundant and has a high reproductive rate, most likely allowing fast recovery from minor reductions in population numbers. Sapphire mining operations near to the habitat of the painted burrowing frog are considered to be a threat to populations, and further potential threats include increasing tourist activity, and habitat loss from fire, wood extraction and over-grazing by livestock (1).

Conservation

Several populations of the painted burrowing frog occur in the Isalo National Park where the habitat is protected, but habitat loss elsewhere is likely and potentially dangerous to the remaining unprotected populations (1). Carefully regulated trade with a capture quota will prevent further decline of this spectacular species (1).