Pseudhymenochirus merlini

(Chabanaud, 1920)

Vernacular names
English : Merlin’s clawed frog
French : Crapaud nain de Merlin

Classification
Class : Amphibia
Order : Anura
Family : Pipidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
This species is quite small, reaching barely 3-4 cm in length. Small head with blunt snout and fairly big eyes. Smooth skin. Large fully webbed feet. Coloration generally grey to brown with dark mottling. Belly is lighter yellowish-beige.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in coastal Western Africa, from central Guinea-Bissau to Guinea and Sierra Leone. Lives in still or very slow-moving waters with overhanging trees for shade.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a relatively small range but remains fairly common. It is threatened by logging activities and overcollection for food.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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