Green mantella

Green Mantella
Conservation status
Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Mantellidae
Genus:	Mantella
Species:	M. viridis
Binomial name
Mantella viridis Pintak & Böhme, 1988

The green mantella (Mantella viridis) is a species of frog in the family Mantellidae. It is endemic to Madagascar. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, rivers, intermittent rivers, and heavily degraded former forest. It is threatened by habitat loss. The commercial trade in these species requireds tight regulation in order not to threaten it.

Description

The green mantella is a small frog. Males are 22−25 mm, females 25−30 mm. The species is common in the pet trade as a vivarium species. Some of the frogs appear more yellow in color. Its face is black with a white band around the top lip. The underside of the frog is black with blue speckles. The female species is predominantly larger with a more square snout. They are critically endangered because of the loss of habitat and over-collection for pet trade.

Habitat

Green mantella live in extreme northern Madagascar and thrive in dry lowland forest at elevations between 50 and 300 meters above sea level.

Diet

They also eat soft fruit. Green mantella require water, as most frogs do, but do not get it by drinking. Their permeable skin allows them to absorb the water.

Sources

• Raxworthy, C. & Vences, M. 2004. Mantella viridis. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 23 July 2007.