Washed-out roads, terrestrial leeches and days of rugged hiking can't deter AMNH researcher Chris Raxworthy from exploring the northern highlands of this California-sized island. More than 200 frog species live here, 99 percent of which exist only in Madagascar. Many new species are still being discovered. Collaborating with the University of Antananarivo, AMNH is working toward a comprehensive list of the frogs on the island. One survey technique uses pitfall traps to capture secretive ground-dwelling frogs. A few species can survive without intact forest. But most others, like the newly discovered narrow-mouthed toad, are declining in Madagascar due to habitat loss, primarily forest being cleared for subsistence farming.

Visit Frog Sounds for photos and sounds of some Madagascar frogs.