CoP17 Prop. 37

Transfer of Tomato Frog Dyscophus antongilii from Appendix I to Appendix II
Proponent: Madagascar
Summary: The Tomato Frog Dyscophus antongilii is an attractive orange-red coloured frog, one of threemembers of the genus Dyscophus, all endemic to Madagascar. The two other members of the genus,
D. insularis and D. guineti, are the subjects of Prop. 38, for inclusion in Appendix II; neither is currently listed
in the Appendices.
The species has a relatively wide distribution in the east and northeast of Madagascar. The precise limits ofthe range are uncertain, in part because of possible confusion with the very similar D. guineti. Although there
is no overall population estimate, one expert has noted that based on a mark-recapture study in part of therange, and the life history characteristics of the species, it is reasonable to presume that populations may
reach hundreds of thousands individuals 1. In 2008 it was said to be locally abundant, especially in andaround Maroantsetra2 and in the Ambatovaky Special Reserve region. Urban expansion is taking place inparts of the range, notably around Maroantsetra and this may be leading to some reduction in population3.
However, the species is said to be adaptable, and has been recorded in urban areas and other alteredhabitats. It breeds several times per year after rainfalls, and lays 1000-15,000 eggs.
Dyscophus antongilii was included in CITES Appendix I in 1987 as it was harvested for the international pet
trade and believed at the time to have a restricted range 4. The CITES Trade Database includes a small
amount of exports from Madagascar between 2000 and 2007, including 75 live frogs, and 400 specimens forscientific purposes. There was a small amount of reported trade between non-range States (76 live frogs
over the same period, all bred in captivity or born in captivity); the majority of which were exported byGermany or Latvia. No trade in D. antongilii has been reported to CITES since 2007 in wild, or captive-bredspecimens. However, a seizure in Malaysia in 2010 of 47 D. antongilii of Madagascan origin indicatesdemand for the species continues 5. The similar species D. guineti and D. insularis are traded in somevolume (see analysis for Prop. 38).
Dyscophus antongilii is currently listed as a protected species in Madagascar (Category I Class I Decree2006-400) which means harvest is only allowed for scientific purposes 6. Under domestic legislation, atransfer to Class II, which would allow for some harvest for commercial purposes outside of protected areas,would necessitate additional studies including population inventories6. Current the population is not actively
monitored nor is it the subject of specific management measures. The Supporting Statement notes that theMadagascar Scientific Authority will recommend conservative quotas for commercial collecting, but does notprovide any detail on any proposed export quota. All Madagascan amphibian species currently included inAppendix II are subject to conservative export quotas7.
Dyscophus antongilii is classified in the IUCN Red List as Near Threatened (2008).
Analysis: Dyscophus antongilii does not have a restricted range nor a small population. There are noindications that the population is undergoing a marked decline. The species does not therefore appear tomeet the biological criteria for inclusion in Appendix I.
The precautionary measures in Annex 4 of Res. Conf. 9.24 (Rev. CoP16) should be met. A conservativecollection quota is proposed, only to be permitted once population inventories have taken place. Currently
other Appendix-II listed Madagascan amphibian species are exported under similar measures. Export ofthese other species has been closely scrutinised by Parties, and has been agreed to demonstratecompliance with Article IV of the Convention 8 and therefore one would expect trade of this species, if
transferred to Appendix II to comply with Article IV as well. Inclusion in Appendix II of the similarDyscophus guineti and D. insularis, as proposed by Madagascar in Prop. 38, would help ensure enforcement
controls for this species were effective.
Reviewers: M. D. Kusrini and C. Ratsimbazafy.
References:
Information not referenced in the Summary section is from the Supporting Statement.
1 Andreone, F. (2016) In litt. to the IUCN/TRAFFIC Analyses Team, Cambridge, UK.
2 Raxworthy, C.J., Vences, M., Andreone, F. & Nussbaum, R. (2008) Dyscophus antongilii. The IUCN Red List ofThreatened Species 2008.

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3Ratsimbazafy, C. (2016) In litt. to the IUCN/TRAFFIC Analyses Team, Cambridge, UK.

4 Andreone, F., Mercurio, V. & Mattioli, F. (2006) Between environmental degradation and international pet trade:conservation strategies for the threatened amphibians of Madagascar. Natura – Soc. it. Sci. nat. Museo civ. Stor. Nat.
Milano, (Milano, Italy) 95: 81-96.
5 TRAFFIC (2010) Hundreds of Malagasy tortoises seized in Malaysia. http://www.traffic.org/home/2010/7/16/hundredsof-malagasy-tortoises-seized-in-malaysia.html. Viewed on 26th May 2016.
6 Ramiandrarivo (2016) In litt. to TRAFFIC.
7 CITES (2016) The CITES export quotas. https://cites.org/eng/resources/quotas/index.php Viewed on 28th June.
8 See for example: https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/com/ac/26/sum/E-AC26-SumRec.pdf.

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