The Mountain Chicken — also known locally as the Crapaud, the Dominican Toad, or by its scientific name Leptodactylus Fallax — is far more than just an amphibian. It is a cultural emblem, a piece of living heritage, and now, a critically endangered species fighting for survival on the islands of Dominica and Montserrat.
Observed every third Friday in May, Endangered Species Day calls on us to reflect on what we stand to lose — not only in biodiversity, but in culture, community, and identity. On this day, we say: My Crapaud, My Crapaud — a cry of remembrance, resilience, and responsibility.
Despite its misleading name, the Mountain Chicken is no bird — it's a frog, and one of the largest in the world. It grows up to 20 centimetres (8 inches) long, weighs over a pound, and was once prized for its meat, which supposedly tasted like chicken — hence the name.
With strong hind legs and a blotchy brown to greenish-brown body, its smooth, moist skin helps it blend into the forest floor, where it naturally lives.
A Vanishing Voice: What Happened?
So what happened to this once-abundant national treasure?
One word: chytridiomycosis. (Say that five times fast — or even once without tripping! It’s pronounced kit-rid-ee-oh-my-co-sis.) This deadly fungal disease, caused by the chytrid fungus, swept through the Caribbean, devastating amphibian populations. The Crapaud, with its signature moist skin — once its greatest evolutionary asset — became fatally susceptible. In just a few years, populations crashed by over 90%.
But the fungus wasn’t the only threat. Habitat destruction, overhunting, and natural disasters — especially the volcanic eruptions in Montserrat — further pushed the species to the edge of extinction.
More Than Just a Frog
The disappearance of the Crapaud is more than an ecological tragedy; it is a cultural wound. Older generations in Dominica still speak fondly of the Crapaud as a staple during Creole and Independence celebrations. It graced dinner tables and featured in folklore, songs, and stories. Its voice — once a familiar night-time chorus — is now eerily absent from the forests.
Ecologically, the Crapaud played a vital role in controlling insect populations and maintaining balance in the forest ecosystem. Its decline disrupts this balance, impacting biodiversity and the health of the entire environment.
Don't Let the Crapaud Be a Memory
On Endangered Species Day, let us not simply mourn the loss of the Crapaud — let us remember it, protect it, and fight for its return. Conservation efforts are ongoing, with breeding programs and habitat restoration giving hope. But awareness, community engagement, and education are crucial to ensuring this symbol of Caribbean resilience survives.
We may not hear its call in the night as often as we once did. But we can still echo it with our voices:
My Crapaud, My Crapaud
Native Amphibian of Dominica and Montserrat
My toad, My toad
Chytid Fungus has nothing on you.
By Romina Joseph, WePlanet Ambassador