Frogs are the only amphibians which can be found in Madagascar. There are no newts, salamanders or caecilians. This is peculiar because worm-like amphibians can be found in Africa and also on the nearby Seychelles. Amphibians cannot survive exposure to salt-water because of their permeable skin, so crossing the ocean poses a huge obstacle, but Madagascar was isolated long before its frogs evolved, so some of the original colonists must have made it across. This is also why there are very few frog families on the island (and no toads). The original frog forefathers of Madagascar diversified and evolved into some 240 documented species, but in reality this is easily 400 or more, so new frog species are waiting to be identified. Except two species, all of these frog species are endemic to Madagascar.
Water is essential for frogs, so the eastern rainforest such as Masoala Forest is home to most of the frogs of Madagascar. A few frogs such as the Boophis occidentalis have adapted to the drier climates in the west and southwest. There are other frogs that live only in high montane habitats and constantly need to move up higher as they are threatened by global warming.
As frogs are mostly nocturnal, they rely on sound for communication and you can hear their sounds everywhere in the Masoala Forest at night. Male frogs call to attract female frogs and warn rival males off their territory. They use vocal sacs in their throat to make these sounds. Some frog species have one large sac, while others have a pair of smaller sacs.
Camouflaging is important for frogs to avoid being eaten by snakes, lizards, birds and mammals. During the daytime they are usually hiding and resting. Green tree frogs often sleep in a flattened position under leaves. Other frogs are the equivalents of leaf-tailed geckos and their colouration with spines and fringes helps them disguise as moss and plant material.
The Malagasy poison frogs (mantella) resemble poison dart frogs of Central and South America and use bright colors to warn predators of their toxi skin, although they are not as poisonous as those in South and Central America. These 18 mantella species are mostly terrestrial and are mostly active by day. Some of them have false eyes on their backs.
Most free frogs have discs on their finger toes to help them grip leaves. You will have to be very patient and spend several nights in the forest to look for them and pay attention to their calls. They can best be found during rainy nights. The Boophis genus has some 55 kinds of tree frogs.
A few of the frog species which can be found during your research expedition at Masoala Forest:
– Climbing Mantella – Mantella laevigata
– Green Burrowing Frog – Scaphiophryne marmorata
– Tomato Frog: Dyscophus antongilii
– Brown Mantella: Mantella betsileo
– Mantidactylus pulcher
– Mantidactylus redimitus
– Mantidactylus betsileanus
– Mantidactylus leucomaculatus
– Mantidactylus lutens
– Mantidactylus boulengeri
– Mantidactylus webbi
– Mantidactylus albofrenatus
– Mantidactylus biporus
– Mantidactylus grandidieri
– Heterixalus punctatus
– Heterixalus alboguttatus
– Heterixalus punctatus
– Aglyptodactylus madagascariensis
– Anodonthyla boulengeri
– Platypelis grandis
– Plethodontohyla notosticta
– Plethodontohyla ocellata
– Plethodontohyla minuta
– Stumpffia tetradactyla
– Stumpffia grandis
Masoala Frog Expeditions
It is possible to go into the Masoala Forest far away from the lodges. As there are no hiking trails or accommodation available, this is done through camping. For these expeditions a special permit is needed from the park authorities. Your group will be assisted by a team of national park guides, porters and a cooking team.
It takes two days to go to Maroantsetra overland or it is possible to charter a plane. We will typically spend one – two days at Maroantsetra making sure all the paperwork is in order and all the gear is loaded up and everyone is briefed and prepped.
Please, send us an email with your enquiry, group size, project and also the desired duration you would like to stay at the forest and we will come back to you with a proposition and quote as soon as possible. Serious requests only, please.
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