The peculiar name “mountain chicken” often elicits curiosity and confusion. Is it some exotic breed of chicken found in the mountains? Or is it perhaps a chicken-flavored dish originating from a mountainous region? The reality is that the mountain chicken is neither a chicken, nor is it found in the mountains. This odd moniker actually refers to a fascinating frog species endemic to the Caribbean islands.
In this article, we will unravel the mysteries behind the mountain chicken – from its misleading name and unusual traits, to its ecological role and conservation status. By the end, you will have a comprehensive understanding of this remarkable amphibian.
Why Is It Called a “Mountain Chicken”?
The mountain chicken’s unusual name stems from the early European settlers in the Caribbean. When they encountered this large frog, its meat reminded them of chicken. Thus they referred to it as the “mountain chicken” to distinguish it from smaller frog species in the region.
While it has the name “mountain chicken,” the mountain chicken (Leptodactylus fallax) is not a chicken and its meat does not taste like chicken. The mountain chicken is a frog and is one of the world’s biggest frogs, growing up to 8 inches long.
Where Is the Mountain Chicken Found?
The mountain chicken only lives on Dominica and Montserrat in the Caribbean. With their lush rainforests, dense vegetation, and lots of freshwater sources, these tropical islands are the perfect place for the mountain chicken to live and thrive.
Within these islands, the mountain chicken prefers lower elevation regions below 1000 meters. It is most commonly found amongst boulders and logs in wet, montane forests. This habitat provides shelter, shade, moisture, and prey for the mountain chicken.
Unfortunately, people have destroyed more and more of the mountain chicken’s habitat, which has limited its range. This species is in danger of going extinct, so protecting its last remaining habitat is very important.
Unique Traits and Adaptations
The mountain chicken has several distinctive physical features and adaptations that aid its survival
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For camouflage, its rough skin and spots of brown, green, and black help it blend in with the rainforest floor. This provides valuable camouflage from predators.
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Powerful hind legs: Strong hind limbs allow the mountain chicken to jump up to 10 feet to navigate its habitat and escape threats.
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Webbed feet: Its partially webbed feet help the mountain chicken swim efficiently in ponds and streams.
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Nocturnal: The mountain chicken is mostly active at night, emerging from its burrows to hunt for food under the cover of darkness.
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Vocalizations: Males make incredibly loud, distinctive calls that sound like “whooping” noises to attract mates and warn off competing males.
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Gastric brooding: Females exhibit a rare behavior where they swallow fertilized eggs and incubate them in their stomach until hatching. No other amphibian displays this unique adaptation!
Thanks to these special traits, the mountain chicken persists in its challenging island environment. But many threats still imperil this species’ chance of survival.
Why Is the Mountain Chicken Endangered?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the mountain chicken as Critically Endangered. Its population has declined by over 80% since 1995 due to several key threats:
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Habitat loss: Deforestation for agriculture and development has destroyed wet, montane forest habitats. This leaves the frog with fewer places to hunt, breed, and take shelter.
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Invasive species: Mongooses, rats, and other invasive mammals prey upon mountain chickens and their eggs. They compete for the same food sources and spread new diseases.
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Overhunting: Historically, mountain chickens were heavily hunted as a food source by early settlers. Overharvesting has depleted their numbers.
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Chytridiomycosis: A deadly fungal disease that has devastated amphibian populations across the globe, including the mountain chicken. It disrupts skin function and causes death.
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Volcanic eruptions: Natural disasters like volcanic eruptions can instantly wipe out critical habitats. In Montserrat, the Soufrière Hills volcano has wiped out over half of the mountain chicken’s habitat.
Conservationists are working hard to mitigate these threats and stabilize the remaining mountain chicken populations. But they need continued public interest and support to succeed.
Why Should We Conserve the Mountain Chicken?
Beyond its inherent worth, the mountain chicken provides numerous ecological and economic benefits that make it an important species to protect:
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As an apex amphibian predator that consumes insects, worms, and smaller frogs, the mountain chicken regulates prey populations and maintains ecosystem balance.
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By controlling pests and insects, the mountain chicken may benefit agricultural production in its island habitats.
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The mountain chicken serves as an indicator species – its decline signals threats like disease, climate change, and habitat loss that could impact other regional wildlife.
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Eco-tourism centered around observing the mountain chicken provides income to Dominica and Montserrat’s local economies. But only if this species can be conserved.
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Its unique gastric brooding behavior is of great scientific interest for researchers studying amphibian reproduction. This intriguing adaptation could even inspire medical advances.
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Each species has inherent value, no matter how small or endangered. Preserving biodiversity maintains our planet’s resilience.
Clearly, there are many reasons, both ethical and practical, for protecting the marvelous mountain chicken. But time is running out for this Critically Endangered species unless more urgent action is taken.
How Can You Help Save the Mountain Chicken?
While the survival of the mountain chicken ultimately depends upon large-scale conservation programs, individuals can also make a meaningful difference:
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Donate to reputable organizations like the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden which runs the Mountain Chicken Recovery Programme.
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Spread awareness through social media about the threats facing mountain chickens. Share this article!
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Be an informed tourist by researching eco-lodges and guides who don’t impact mountain chicken habitats if you visit the Caribbean islands where they live.
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Reduce your carbon footprint by limiting activities which accelerate climate change and natural disasters. This protects sensitive species like the mountain chicken.
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Advocate for improved legal protections for endangered species and their habitats. Vote for environmental policies and leaders.
Our actions today will decide whether marvelous creatures like the mountain chicken persist for future generations to appreciate. With greater awareness and diligent conservation efforts, we can unravel some of the mysteries surrounding the mountain chicken while ensuring this unique species continues thriving.
Crapaud in Crisis: Saving the ‘Mountain Chicken’ Frog in Dominica
Where are those Big Frogs?
The Crapaud, which is the local Creole name for the “Mountain Chicken” frog (Leptodactylus fallax), makes a unique mating call that most Dominicans haven’t heard in a few years. This critically endangered amphibian is a national symbol that appears on Dominica’s Coat of Arms. It’s also one of the largest frogs in the world.
Before 2002, this big frog was a popular local dish and many savoured its chicken-like flavour. Crapaud cuisine was also sought-after by tourists, who were curious to experience its unique taste.
But in the last ten years, it has died of chytridiomycosis (chytrid), a fungal infection that has spread around the world. Right now, there are very few surviving in the wild, as it sadly nears extinction on the Nature Island.
The Crapaud is one of only four types of amphibians in Dominica. It is also found on Montserrat. At one time, it did thrive on other islands, but is now extinct. Over-hunting and destruction of habitat are reported to have adversely affected this frog’s population elsewhere.
Fortunately, Dominica’s ‘Mountain Chicken’ has been protected by law for many years. Before the chytrid fungus infestation, the hunting season was very strict, and people who caught Crapaud outside of season were punished.
2015: Encouraging Research Continues on Dominica’s Critically Endangered Frogs (article by Gwenith Whitford)
About Dominica’s Mountain Chicken
The Importance of Amphibians
Scientists assert that ‘Mountain Chickens’ have an important function in Dominica’s eco-system. “Amphibians do more good than people realize,” says Jenny Spencer, a British herpetologist (one who studies amphibians and reptiles). She is assisting Dominica’s Forestry and Wildlife Division as a representative of the Zoological Society of London.
“The ‘Mountain Chicken’ frogs actually do humans a big favour,” she asserts, “They eat many different kinds of invertebrates, such as cockroaches, millipedes, crickets and even small lizards.” According to Ms. Spencer, the chytrid fungus has obliterated various amphibians in other countries. “Some other frogs are extinct because of it. It’s a huge worldwide problem, but research is going on all the time,” she discloses.
The Crapaud Story – Video by ZSL
Dominican poet Delroy N. Williams performs his poem about the plight of the Critically Endangered mountain chicken frog in Dominica. Commissioned as part of ZSL’s outreach work within the local community.
Since 2005, an ongoing international collaborative project with Dominica’s Forestry and Wildlife Division continues to actively explore ways and means to protect the Crapaud from the relentless chytrid fungus infestation.
One of the participants is the Zoological Society of London, where researchers are studying ways to reduce the impact of the disease on amphibians in the wild. In Dominica, this fungus is found everywhere in the environment and is also carried by tree frogs which do not appear to be harmed by it.
In Montserrat, where chytrid also destroyed the “Mountain Chicken” population, a recent release of some captive bred animals is underway to find out if this is a reasonable method for preventing the species’ extinction in the wild.
Meanwhile, the Captive Breeding Facility in the Botanical Gardens near Roseau is nearing completion. It will either be stocked with some of the remaining wild ‘Mountain Chickens’ on Dominica before they are wiped out by chytrid, or with captive bred animals, whose parents were rescued and taken to Europe in the face of the epidemic. The Dominican Forestry and Wildlife Division staff is being trained to manage the frogs in captivity, including breeding techniques.
At the present time, Forestry and Wildlife officials are also monitoring areas where the very few ‘Mountain Chicken’ frogs are still found. The establishment of a data- base which documents Crapaud calls and sightings is underway. In addition, bi-monthly surveys of the three species of tree frogs will aid in monitoring population trends. As well, they are being tested for the presence of the chytrid fungus.
Female Crapaud (Mountain Chicken)
Fun Fact…
FAQ
What is the mountain chicken breed?
The mountain chicken is a frog. It is in the same family as many other frogs, which is called Leptodactylidae. Their name comes from its massive size; this frog can reach a weight of 2 pounds and measure as long as 8 inches. They build nests with foam they secrete for their eggs.
Why is it called a mountain chicken if it’s a frog?
Mountain chicken isn’t chicken but instead derives its name from the crapaud’s (frog in creole) legs, which tastes like chicken. Crapaud is often found within the interior of the island and at high altitude. Since it’s a protected species, hunting season for the crapaud is between September to February.
Can you eat a mountain chicken?
… chicken was the national dish of Dominica until their decline, and were widely eaten in both Dominica and Montserrat before the chytridiomycosis epidemic.
Is a mountain chicken a frog?
In fact, it’s not a chicken at all. Despite its misleading name, the mountain chicken is actually a species of frog that is native to the Caribbean islands of Dominica and Montserrat. Scientifically known as Leptodactylus fallax, it is one of the largest frogs in the world, growing up to 8 inches in length and weighing over 1 kg.
What is a mountain chicken?
Also known as the Dominican white-lipped frog, giant ditch frog and crapaud, mountain chickens are culturally important, appearing in local folk songs, calypsos, poems and jokes. Their likeness is also included on Dominica’s coat of arms. There are several theories for the origin of the unusual common name, ‘mountain chicken’.
Why is a mountain chicken important?
Not only does it contribute to our knowledge of biodiversity, but it also sheds light on the delicate balance of ecosystems and the impact of human activities on wildlife. The mountain chicken, scientifically known as Leptodactylus fallax, is a critically endangered species. It is native to the islands of Dominica and Montserrat in the Caribbean.
Where do mountain chickens live?
Mountain chickens are endemic to the islands of Dominica and Montserrat in the Caribbean. They can be found in the mountainous rainforests and wetland areas of these islands. 4. Are mountain chickens endangered?.
How big do mountain chickens get?
Adult mountain chickens can grow up to 7. 9 inches (20 centimeters) in length and weigh around 2. 2 pounds (1 kilogram). This impressive size sets them apart from other frog species and makes them a unique and intriguing creature to study. Mountain chickens have a robust and muscular body, with a broad head and a wide mouth.
What does a mountain chicken look like?
Mountain chickens have a robust and muscular body, with a broad head and a wide mouth. Their skin is rough and covered in small warts, giving them a bumpy texture. They can be different colors, but most of the time they are a mottled pattern of brown, green, and black. This helps them blend in with their natural environment.