For Rainforest Amphibians, the Bigger the Toes, the Higher They Go

June 21, 2024 • by Esther Robards-Forbes

In rainforests in Gabon, amphibians with larger toes relative to their body length are found higher in the forest canopy.

Photo of orange and brown frog leptopelis boulengeri on a tree branch

Leptopelis boulengeri, commonly known as the Victoria Forest Tree Frog, is just one of the many species noted during a first-of-its-kind amphibian survey in Central Africa. Credit: Edmund Basham.


Image of small brown frog Hyperolius mosaicus with orange toes and shimmering gold spots

Hyperolius mosaicus, commonly known as the South Cameroon reed frog. Credit: Edmund Basham. 

Photo of a dark brown frog with red-orange bands on its legs and large black eyes

Phlyctimantis leonardi, commonly known as the olive striped frog. Credit: Edmund Basham. 

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