Harlequin mantella or Mantella cowanii is one of very threatened and rare amphibian from highland central of Madagascar. The species is currently listed Endangered on the IUCN Red list.
Protected to the exportation for pet trade, it is threatened by habitat degradation and alteration by bushfire which is highly common from its range. Uncontrolled gold mining and expansion of introduced plants species Pinus and Eucalyptus amplify threats to the species and its habitats. A second action plan for its conservation was developed for 2020 to 2025 and research is one of the key elements of this plan. We carried out research on its biology, habitat preferences and behaviour in objective to understand its ecological needs to inform the future habitat restoration and identifying other potential sites to the species. Potential impact of environmental parameters changes on its life history will be also studied for guiding the ex-situ programme.
A big thanks to all of our funders and partners Mohamed Bin Zayed Conservation fund
, Chester Zoo, Stiftung Artenschutz, Auckland Zoo, Josh's Frogs, Amphibian Survival Alliance, Amphibian Specialist Group UICN/SSC, Zoologie et Biodiversité Animales (MZBA), Man And The Environment, University of Illinois.
