Bale Mountains Frog
CR

Bale Mountains Frog

Ericabatrachus baleensis

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ericabatrachus

Overview

Ericabatrachus is a genus of frogs in the family Ericabatrachidae endemic to the Bale Mountains in Ethiopia. It is monotypic, being represented by the single species Ericabatrachus baleensis, commonly known as the Bale Mountains frog. It was previously included in the family Petropedetidae, but is now placed in its own monotypic family, Ericabatrachidae.

Ericabatrachus baleensis is threatened primarily by habitat degradation from agricultural expansion, livestock grazing, and human settlement within its narrow Bale Mountains range. Its restriction to high-elevation wetland and grassland microhabitats makes it especially sensitive to changes in water availability and quality. The species' extremely limited distribution heightens its vulnerability to localized threats, including potential disease outbreaks like chytridiomycosis, which have affected other East African amphibians.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits Afroalpine grasslands and heathlands in the Bale Mountains of Ethiopia, occurring at elevations between 3,200-4,000 meters among rocky outcrops and seasonal wetlands. The harsh montane environment experiences dramatic daily temperature fluctuations and a distinct wet season that creates the temporary pools necessary for breeding.

Forest· majorShrubland· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryEx-situ conservation

Other threatened species in PYXICEPHALIDAE

EN

Nothophryne baylissi

Declining
VU

Arthroleptella atermina

Unknown
EN

Arthroleptella landdrosia

Unknown
EN

Inago Mongrel Frog

Nothophryne inagoensis

Declining

Threatened in Ethiopia

EN

Black-fronted Spurfowl

Pternistis atrifrons

Declining
EN

Isoglossa congesta

Unknown
VU

Ethiopian Hawker

Pinheyschna waterstoni

Declining
VU

Disperis galerita

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Bale Mountains Frog classified as Critically Endangered?
Bale Mountains Frog is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Ericabatrachus baleensis is threatened primarily by habitat degradation from agricultural expansion, livestock grazing, and human settlement within its narrow Bale Mountains range. Its restriction to high-elevation wetland and grassland microhabitats makes it especially sensitive to changes in water availability and quality. The species' extremely limited distribution heightens its vulnerability to localized threats, including potential disease outbreaks like chytridiomycosis, which have affected other East African amphibians.
Where does Bale Mountains Frog live?
Bale Mountains Frog occurs in Ethiopia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Bale Mountains Frog?
The main threats to Bale Mountains Frog are 2.3, 5.3, and 8.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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