Tsaratanana Giant Treefrog

The Platypelis tsaratananaensis is a distinctive frog species from the Microhylidae family, endemic to the northern regions of Madagascar. It typically inhabits the lush, moist montane forests of the area, especially thriving in tall rainforests and bamboo groves at elevations above 1,100 meters.

What is particularly fascinating about Platypelis tsaratananaensis is its close association with bamboo. These frogs often make their homes within bamboo stalks, utilizing holes created by the nocturnal lemur, Daubentonia madagascariensis. For breeding, they also rely on these bamboo stems for the development of their larvae.

Regrettably, Platypelis tsaratananaensis faces significant threats due to habitat loss. This degradation is driven by several human activities, including subsistence farming, timber extraction, charcoal production, the spread of eucalyptus plantations, livestock grazing, and the expansion of human settlements. These activities drastically impact the natural habitat of this frog species, putting its survival at considerable risk.