First amphibian inventory of one of madagascar’s smallest protected areas, ankafobe, extends the range of the critically endangered anilany helenae (Vallan, 2000) and the endangered boophis andrangoloaka (ahl, 1928)

Using DNA barcoding, we present the first inventory of amphibians present in one of Madagascar’s smallest protected areas, Ankafobe. This small area represents some of the last remaining central high plateau forests in Madagascar. However, with just 27.89 ha of forest split into two fragments, Ankafobe is highly threatened by yearly grassland fires. We recorded a total of 382 individuals and identified 14 species of frogs. This list includes the Critically Endangered Anilany helenae which was previously thought to be micro-endemic and restricted to Ambohitantely Special Reserve, therefore increasing this tiny species’ range to a second protected area. Our results also imply an extension of the known range of the Endangered Boophis andrangoloaka. While our inventory likely underestimates the diversity of frog species present in Ankafobe, it provides a baseline for future conservation efforts at this site.