Mantella cowanii, a critically endangered frog from the highlands of Madagascar.

Interestingly, some populations of this species occupy deforested, open grassland habitat near streams and boulders.

Land ownership issues in the highlands are complex with Mantella 'sites' owned by multiple local communities. Our recent visit to one site suggests that uncontrolled fires represent a threat to the species. Conservation of Mantella cowanii will depend upon working closely with local communities to better regulate land management.