Tiny Homes for Tiny Frogs

Folks, when I say these frogs have limited distributions, I mean tiny! Not only are these frogs only found in small areas, but often they only occupy about 10% of that area (IUCN Redlist data, 2010-2013). When you look at the maps below, consider how huge South Africa is....

Moreover, estimates of population sizes for some of these species range from <50-1000 individuals. Now consider how one little frog only lays about 10 eggs on average. If there are only about 500 around, and the stream dries up...the population will be hit hard.

According to the IUCN Redlist, invasive pines and their associated high-intensity fires and stream-drying are among the top threats to moss frogs. But lack of data hampers efforts for their conservation. In this project, I hope to boost those efforts through my research!

Arthroleptella bicolor

 

Arthroleptella lightfooti

 

Arthroleptella rugosa

 

Arthroleptella landdrosia

 

Arthroleptella villiersi

 

Arthroleptella drewesii

 

Arthroleptella subvoce

 

All maps from www.iucnredlist.org