Mountain Chicken
Leptodactylus fallax
Conservation Status
Critically EndangeredAmphibia · Anura · Leptodactylidae
About
Leptodactylus fallax, commonly known as the mountain chicken or giant ditch frog, is a critically endangered species of frog that is native to the Caribbean islands of Dominica and Montserrat. The population declined by at least 80% from 1995 to 2004, with further significant declines later. A tiny wild population remains on Dominica where there are efforts to preserve it, but few or none survive in the wild on Montserrat and its survival now relies on a captive breeding project involving several zoos. The initial decline was linked to hunting for human consumption, along with habitat loss and natural disasters, but the most serious threat now appears to be the fungal disease chytridiomycosis, which was the primary cause of the most recent rapid decline. On Montserrat it is known as the mountain chicken, while on Dominica it is known as the crapaud, which simply means "toad" in French.
Fun Fact
The mountain chicken frog — so named because it tastes like chicken — is one of the world's largest frogs and was once a prized food source across the Caribbean.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found in a variety of moist habitats, including dense secondary forest and scrub, hillside plantations, palm groves in river valleys, ravines, and flooded forest.
Diet
Eat other frogs, except for consuming unfertilized eggs, cannibalism is not known from the mountain chicken.
Lifespan
12 years
Threats
- Chytridiomycosis (Bd)
- Overhunting
- 2010 La Soufrière Hills Volcanic Eruption Impact