PALAWAN TOADLET

(Pelophryne albotaeniata) Endangered

Little is known about their life cycle but they are known to prefer forests near streams, be they in the lowlands or towards the mountains. It is thought that habitat loss is their greatest enemy, hence the importance of the CNCH to the species. The Palawan toadlet is also known as the white-striped flathead toad. Aside from the white stripes at the back, they also have a uniform cream color at the throat area. They are rather small, not even reaching an inch in size. Their external ear structures are easily seen. Their reputation as a rare species is strengthened by the fact that they had only been seen once before 2014, marking a 40-year gap in sightings. They were “found” again during the study for Cleopatra’s Needle to be converted into a critical habitat, according to the Amphibian Survival Alliance website.