One of Madagascar’s most vibrant and eye-catching amphibians. This tiny frog is famous for its brilliant orange, red, or yellow skin, which makes it look like a living jewel among the leaf litter of the rainforest floor. Despite its small size, the golden mantella has become one of the most recognized symbols of Madagascar’s unique biodiversity—and also one of its most threatened.

Native to a very limited area in central-eastern Madagascar, the golden mantella lives in humid forest habitats near small ponds, marshes, or temporary pools. It is terrestrial, meaning it lives on land rather than in water, and it’s active mostly during the day.

Unlike many frogs that rely on camouflage, the golden mantella uses its bright coloration as a warning—a signal to predators that it may be toxic. In the wild, these frogs absorb toxins from the small insects and ants they eat, which can make their skin mildly poisonous. In captivity, where their diet is different, they lose this toxicity.

Golden mantellas are social and vocal, especially during the breeding season. Males gather near shallow pools and call out with short, high-pitched chirps to attract females. Once a female chooses a mate, she lays her eggs on moist leaves or in moss near the water’s edge. When the eggs hatch, the tiny tadpoles are washed into the pools, where they complete their development before transforming into miniature versions of the adults. Because they rely on small, specific breeding pools, any changes to their habitat can have serious effects on their ability to survive and reproduce.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Madagascar

EN

2011