Malawi Endangered Frogs Carrikeri Harlequin Frog 10 Kwacha 2010 Proof Colored Co

Description

Harlequin frogs are found in neotropics from Costa Rica to Bolivia. They belong to the genus Atelopus and include about 80 species, and probably 35 not yet described. The vast majority (80%) of the harlequin frog species lives in forested mountains where rainfall is abundant. Most of them have a limited range of distribution. Harlequin frogs are usually active day and night. Harlequin frogs are small-to-medium size amphibians (20-60 mm from the tip of the nose to the vent) with females always lager than males. Females have usually a different color under their ventral parts. Rising temperatures, habitat destruction, and the spread of the deadly chytrid fungus have wiped out dozens of species of harlequin frogs in recent years. Further, most of the harlequin frog species are listed as critically endangered with a very high risk of extinction.