Common names:
Cowan's Mantella [1].
Harlequin Mantella [2].
Classification:
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Amphibia
Order - Anura
Family - Mantellidae
Species - Mantella cowanii
Distribution:
Mantella cowanii occurs in three locations in eastern Madagascar; Antakasina, Antoetra, and Itremo (Figure 2) [1]. They are found at 1000-2000m above sea level [1]. There are substantiated reports of populations further west but more surveys are needed [1]. The area of occupancy is 253km2 [1].
Details:
This species can be found in humid, forested environments - living along forest edges, in riparian zones, in adjacent montane grassland, and along humid stone walls [1,3]. During the dry season, it resides in underground dens to help avoid dessication and fires [1]. Eggs are lain on the ground and the tadpoles develop in a nearby stream [1]. These frogs are very striking in appearance, with a distinct black body and orange blotches on the limbs (figure 1) [3,4].
This species, due to its striking appearance, has been subjected to large amounts of illegal trapping and international trade [1]. As such, it was listed under CITES Appendix II with a no export quota in 2003 [1]. All three locations are highly isolated and surrounded by a highly anthropogenic, agricultural landscape [1]. One of the locations encompasses a temporary protected area but better management is needed to ensure adequate protection [1]. One of the main conservation interventions for this species has been the concerted public education effort by NGOs and Government agencies, as well as capacity building for conservation through ecotourism [3]. The habitat for this species is declining, however it is unknown if the populations for this species is declining but it's likely [1]. More research is needed into their life history and any other remaining populations [1].
Threats to the species:
Hunting and illegal trade [1].
Deforestation [1].
Subsistence agriculture [1].
Fire [1].
Wetland drainage [1].
Urbanisation [1].
Similar species:
References:
[1] IUCN Red List. (2014). Cowan's Mantella, Mantella cowanii. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/57441/60797066. [Accessed 5 May 2019].
[2] CalPhotos. (2008). Mantella cowanii. [ONLINE] available at: https://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?enlarge=1111+1111+1111+7937 [Accessed 5 May 2019].
[3] Amphibian Survival Alliance and IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2015) ‘REGIONAL EDITION: ASIA, RUSSIA AND OCEANIA’, FrogLog, 23(116).
[4] Daly, J. W. et al. (1996) ‘Madagascan posion frogs (Mantella) and their skin alkaloids’, American Museum Novitates, (3177), pp. 1–34.
Photo: CalPhotos. (2008). Mantella cowanii. [ONLINE] available at: https://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?enlarge=1111+1111+1111+7937 [Accessed 5 May 2019].
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