Direct Development in Tanzania's Tree Toads: The Three Nectophrynoides That Skip Tadpoles

Three newly described Nectophrynoides tree toads from Tanzania's Eastern Arc Mountains give birth to fully formed toadlets, bypassing the tadpole stage. Museomics on century-old museum specimens confirms these are distinct lineages that diverged millions of years ago. Live birth is incredibly rare in frogs (under 1%), and in this biodiversity hotspot facing deforestation and climate change, these species are especially vulnerable. In this episode we explore the biology, evolution, and conservation implications of this remarkable discovery.

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