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The island of Madagascar off the eastern coast of Africa is said to contain above 300 frog species. Almost 99% of the Madagascar frogs are native to the island and are found nowhere else on earth. Frogs in Madagascar are the country's only amphibians as Madagascar does not have toads, newts or salamanders. Madagascar frogs form one of the unique animal species of the country because of their variety and their characteristic features.
Amongst the popular frogs of Madagascar are the Mantella which have a spectacular appearance and are extremely poisonous. They are similar to the poisonous frogs of South America in their method of warding off their predators. The frogs of both these places have bright skin colors and use that to secrete toxins. Thus they avoid their predators from preying on them. On the other hand the Mantidactylus uses camouflage as a defense mechanism to hide itself from their predators instead of using striking colors to attract the predators and then attack them.
Madagascar also consists of a number of tree frogs like Heterixalus, Boophis and others. There are also frogs that resemble toads, for example, the Tomato frog. It secretes a glue-like poison to defend itself from snakes, dogs and cats. This secretion has an adverse effect on humans also leading to allergies. Other frogs in Madagascar include different types of Boophis and Mantella frogs.
There are various regions in Madagascar where the Madagascar frogs live. Some of the areas that are protected are Marojejy, Ranomafana, Andringitra, Masoala, Montagne d'Ambre, Isalo, Marotandrano, Kirindy Mitea etc. The frogs of Madagascar thus form an important aspect of the country's diversified ecological system.
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