Large thick tree frog in tree nest, Nosy Mangabe, Madagascar

This photo marks the start of our night tour on Nosy Mangabe. Which is technically illegal, night tours inside national parks are not allowed as of 2008, however the park ranger made an exception. Probably due to us being the only guests on the island. Furthermore, we specifically asked if flash was OK to use for each spotting, trying to minimize disturbance.

This photo shows a big tree frog waiting in a nest in the trunk of a tree. It is waiting for its mate. When we returned to this same point after the tour, there was a 2nd frog on the outside of it.

Species under investigation. Theory so far is Platypelis grandis, based on this reference:
http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?seq_num=295584&one=T

After the night tour, couple united:

comments (5)

John Sullivan

Lion

Definitely Platypelis grandis (unless new Platypelis species have been described since Glaw & Vences 2007 was published!). Its big broad head is very distinctive, along with the huge toe pads, and this species is strictly arboreal and typically found in large tree holes. It is also known from Nosy Mangabe. Posted 9 years ago

John Sullivan

Lion

I see that at least some herpetologists have moved this species into a new genus, Cophyla: http://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/476520-Cophyla-grandis Posted 9 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  That reference is incredible, exactly what I needed yet could not find in my own search. Very happy with the ID, also that it has the name "Giant" in it. It really was quite large :) Thanks, man! Posted 9 years ago

John Sullivan

Lion

I didn't know about the ban on night tours in national parks. That's a real shame! Did they enforce that in other parks you visited? Posted 9 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  Yes they did. Usually the alternative is to do a night walk just outside the park, for example on the road near the entrance. Inside the park, only scientists can be there at night. Posted 9 years ago

The Boulenger's Giant Treefrog

''Platypelis grandis'' is a species of frog in the Microhylidae family.
It is endemic to Madagascar.
Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
It is threatened by habitat loss.

Info 6 0

Similar species: Frogs

Species identified by John Sullivan