Williams Bright Eyed Frog

A largely unknown montane frog from the Ankaratra massif. M 37 mm, F 40-44 mm. Tibiotarsal articulation reaches the nostril. Hand with a trace of webbing, foot webbing 1(0), 2i(1), 2e(0), 3i/e(1), 4i/e(2), 5(1). Dorsal skin smooth, with larger tubercles on the posterior back. Colour in life brown with orange markings, ventrally dirty white. Males with distinct light nuptial pads.Similar species: The species has a rather unique appearance and a very restricted distribution and habitat, and is therefore unlikely to be confused with other species.Taken with permission from Glaw and Vences (2007).

Ankaratra (Ambohimirandrana). Observed only at 2100m asl. Although it originally inhabits montane rainforest, it is now restricted to high-elevation grasslands with relict montane forest (Vences and Nussbaum 2008).

Along fast-flowing streams at high elevations of the Ankaratra Massif, with rudimentary gallery forest and bushy vegetation along their edges. One specimen was found at night on leaves, at a perch height of about 1 m. The large tadpoles have broad mouthparts adapted to fast-flowing water and live in the streams. Calls: Unknown. It breeds in fast-flowing mountain streams (Vences and Nussbaum 2008).

Critically Endangered: extent of occurrence is less than 100 km2 and its area of occupancy is less than 10 km2, all individuals are in a single location, and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat at Ankaratra. This species appears to be restricted to only a few streams on the Ankaratra Massif which so far receive no legal protection (Vences and Nussbaum 2008).