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Births, Hatchings, Acquisitions

By Donna Bear, Curator of Species Management, and Jasmine Alvarado, Species Management Officer

Golden mantella

(Mantella aurantiaca)

Golden mantella

While named the golden mantella, these frogs can come in a variety of shades of yellow, orange and even red. As insectivores, golden mantellas mainly eat ants, termites and fruit flies. However, when golden mantella tadpoles first hatch, they are mainly herbivores feeding on algae and detritus. After hatching, it can take six to eight weeks to metamorphose into froglets. That is when their diet begins to include insects, such as springtails and small aphids. Within the past decade, entomologist Brian Fisher discovered that mantellas can secrete toxic chemicals through their skin due to their diet of toxic ants. These ants and their toxins are also what give the mantella their bright coloration, which warns predators of their poisonous nature. Try to spot these guys in the African Herp House.

Jamaican Boa

(Chilabothrus subflavus)

Jamaican Boa

Once widely distributed throughout Jamaica, the largest predator on the island is now restricted to isolated areas and is labeled as vulnerable according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The population of Jamaican boa has declined significantly due to habitat loss, human persecution, fragmentation and invasive species. The Jamaican boa is considered “an ecological generalist” since it eats a variety of prey depending on what’s available. Unfortunately, that includes the invasive and toxic cane toad, which can be fatal when consumed. The food they eat depends on where they live, and the Jamaican boa can be found in different ecosystems such as swamplands, mangroves and cave systems. However, they do thrive best in forested areas where their natural coloration helps them blend in with their surroundings. Come and find the Jamaican boa at the Lost Temple in Range of the Jaguar.

Coquerel’s sifaka

(Propithecus coquereli)

Coquerel’s sifaka

Found only on the island of Madagascar, Coquerel’s sifakas are distinguishable from other primates due to their brick-red colored fur on their chest, arms and legs contrasting against the white on the rest of their bodies. Diurnal creatures, their diet consists mainly of leaves, tree bark, fruit, flowers, and on occasion, insects. The Coquerel’s sifaka is famously known for the way they move among the trees and along the ground. Remaining upright, they can propel themselves distances of up to 35 feet from tree to tree. On the ground, their walk is more of a fast, sideways skip on their hind legs. With arms spread out to maintain their balance, one would almost think they were dancing. The name “sifaka” (pronounced she-FAHK or Suh-faa-kuh) comes from the Malagasylanguage. They are named for the sound they make as they travel through trees. Maybe you’ll even see our little sifaka family in the African Forest exhibit.

Coquerel’s sifaka