<
https://www.forbes.com/sites/grrlscientist/2023/10/16/giant-caribbean-mountain-chicken-frog-on-the-brink-of-extinction/?sh=240c256a18ee>
"A global collaboration of conservation scientists is sounding the alarm to
initiate urgent action to save one of the world’s largest frogs, which hovers
on the brink of extinction. A recent survey revealed that only 21 individual
mountain chicken frogs,
Leptodactylus fallax, remain alive in one tiny refuge
on the Caribbean Island of Dominica.
The mountain chicken frog is the largest native frog in the Caribbean. Adults
weigh almost one kilogram — as much as a bag of sugar. Its large
‘drumstick’-like legs — which inspired its weird name — provide enough power so
these frogs can leap over a standing human. Its variable mottled reddish brown
and cream coloring provides camouflage so it can disappear against the
background of leaf litter on the forest floor.
The Critically Endangered frog was endemic to seven Caribbean islands,
including Montserrat and Dominica, but the combined effects of habitat
destruction, introduced predators and human over-exploitation has dramatically
reduced its numbers — a situation made worse by the introduction of the deadly
fungal disease,
Chytridiomycosis. These multiple dangers continue to threaten
the future of this charismatic and culturally significant frog."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
