Tiny Brazilian Frogs Live in Bromeliad Plants

High in eastern Brazil’s Espinhaço mountain range, there lives a tiny species of frogs unlike any other. Discovered by Dr. Bela Barata, these Brazilian frogs spend their entire lives living in bromeliad plants. These plants collect water from the rains, creating a habitat for the fingernail-sized amphibians. The taxonomic name for these frogs is Crossodactylodes itambe. 

The Espinhaço mountain range runs in a North-South direction and acts as a water divider. It is the only place that is known to house this extraordinary species of Brazilian frog. The frogs live in a tiny patch of land, only 0.5 sq. km. large. In that area, rupicolous bromeliads bloom in rocky fields. Bromeliads themselves are unique plants. They are epiphytes, meaning that they grow on the surface of other plants, but are not parasitic. They do not even require soil to grow, making them perfect for the rocky mountains. The bromeliad which these frogs inhabit resembles the top of a pineapple. The leaves trap water, which attracts insects.

Crossodactylodes itambe inhabit the leafy ecosystem created by the bromeliad’s leaves. There, they have access to both water and food. However, the species is highly endemic. The special Brazilian frogs face potential habitat loss. Since they inhabit such a small area, they are particularly vulnerable to habitat destruction. The tiny frogs have already lost part of their habitat due to wildfires. Sadly, as fires become more common due to climate change, it is likely that they could face further pressures.

Dr. Barata is dedicated to preserving these amazing Brazilian frogs. She hopes that the local community will feel pride in these frogs, and make attempts to preserve them. Protecting the frog’s habitat and limiting the effects of Climate change are crucial to ensuring that these tiny, unique frogs survive. 

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