Sooglossidae

Family Sooglossidae — Seychelles frogs (sooglossids) Distribution: endemic to two small granitic islands of the Seychelles archipelago, Mahé and Silhouette (Indian Ocean), occurring at elevations of 150-991 m above sea level. Ecology and behavior: associated with relatively humid palm forests.

They are secretive, hiding in leaf litter, crevices between stones, axils of the spiny palm Phoenicophorium borsigianum, and accumulations of the introduced cinnamon tree Cinnamomum verum. Usually inactive on the soil surface except during the rainy season; each species has a specific call. Inguinal amplexus. In two species (Sooglossus sechellensis and Sechellophryne gardineri), parental care is observed. After laying 8-16 eggs in moist litter or rock niches, the male cares for hatched tadpoles. Non-feeding tadpoles climb onto the male’s back and travel with him until metamorphosis is complete. Both direct and larval development occur within this family. Reproduction overall is poorly studied; literature provides no explicit data on feeding and diet. Based on their small size and localization in habitats, they are likely to feed on insects and other small invertebrates. Morphology: length 1.6-4 cm; body generally slender; snout elongated. Head and anterior trunk are atypically thick for frogs. Eyes medium-sized, with vertical pupils; supraorbital ridges elevated. A sesamoid bone is present in the tarsus. Limbs bear disc-like pads.

Coloration is predominantly cryptic.

All four species are listed in the IUCN Red List as vulnerable. Sooglossus sechellensis Sooglossus pipilodryas Sooglossus thomasseti Sooglossus gardineri Sources: 1. https://amphibiaweb.org 2. https://research.amnh.org/