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Amphibian Fact Sheet
Golden Mantella
CR· Critically EndangeredMantella aurantiaca
Swampy leaf litter in humid rainforest, near seasonal pools.
Fact Sheet
About this animal
Key facts about the golden mantella.
Common Name
Golden Mantella
Scientific Name
Mantella aurantiaca
Classification
Amphibia • Anura • Mantellidae
Distribution
A tiny area of central-eastern Madagascar around Moramanga.
Habitat
Swampy leaf litter in humid rainforest, near seasonal pools.
Range map · red pin marks a typical locationView larger map
Lifecycle
Eggs are laid on damp leaves on the forest floor; rain washes tadpoles into small pools where they change into froglets.
Diet
Insectivore: tiny ants, mites and termites — chemicals from these prey give it its skin toxins.
Size
Only 2–2.5 cm (about 1 in).
Lifespan
8–10 years.
Conservation Status
CR· Critically Endangered
Critically Endangered — habitat loss and illegal collection.Behaviour
Active by day (diurnal). Males call with a soft, cricket-like click.
Adaptations
Bright orange colour warns predators that its skin holds toxins. Small size lets it hide in leaf litter.
Predators
Snakes, birds and larger frogs (though most avoid its toxins).
Interesting Facts
- One of the smallest and brightest frogs in Madagascar.
- Loses its toxins after a few generations in captivity because its wild diet is missing.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA) · Habitat: Madagascar rainforest — Wikimedia Commons