Leptodactylus fallax

(Müller, 1926)

Vernacular names

English : Giant ditch frog
French : Grenouille de Montserrat

Classification

Class : Amphibia
Order : Anura
Family : Leptodactylidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification

One of the largest frog species, reaching a body length of 21 cm. Very large eyes. Coloration variable from dark brown to chestnut brown. Some specimens display black banding, others are spotted. Flanks more orange, belly yellowish.

Range and habitat

Formerly found in many islands of the Caribbean, now only occurs on Montserrat and Dominica. Lives in secondary forest, scrubland and plantations, always near water.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is now extinct in much of its range because of hunting for food, habitat degradation and natural causes such as volcanic eruptions.
Ex-Situ Programs : EEP in Europe

Observation