Mertensophryne usambarae
Overview
Mertensophryne usambarae is a critically endangered species of toad in the family Bufonidae. It is endemic to the foothills of the East Usambara Mountains, northeastern Tanzania.
Mertensophryne usambarae faces severe population decline due to extensive deforestation and agricultural conversion within the Eastern Arc Mountains. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while climate change threatens to alter the cool, moist conditions essential for its survival. Chytrid fungal disease, which has devastated amphibian populations across East Africa, poses an additional existential threat to remaining populations.
Habitat
This species inhabits montane forests of the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania, typically found in cool, humid environments between 1,200-2,000 meters elevation. It requires intact forest canopy and leaf litter microhabitats for breeding and foraging.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in BUFONIDAE
Threatened in Tanzania
Frequently asked questions
Why is Mertensophryne usambarae classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Mertensophryne usambarae live?
What are the main threats to Mertensophryne usambarae?
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