The manezinho frog, the guide's mascot

The manezinho frog (Ischnocnema manezinho), known in Portuguese as rã-manezinho, rã-manezinha or rãzinha-do-folhiço-da-ilha (little leaf-litter frog of the island), is a small amphibian of the family Brachycephalidae. It is endemic to Brazil and has been recorded in Santa Catarina municipalities such as Florianópolis, São Bento do Sul, Corupá, Blumenau and Garuva, according to Wikipedia. Its name honors the manezinho, the affectionate nickname for natives of Santa Catarina Island.

What it looks like

Small and brown with dark and yellowish spots, it lives hidden among the dry leaves on the forest floor, the leaf litter. That is why it is so hard to spot: camouflage is its best defense.

Where it lives and why it is threatened

The species’ natural habitat is the lowland moist forest of the Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica), and it is threatened by habitat loss, according to the English Wikipedia. The more forest is preserved on the island’s hills, the better the species’ chances.

The guide’s mascot

Manezinha, the Florianópolis Travel mascot, is an original drawing inspired by this species, with a blue scarf the color of the sea. She pops up with tips all over the site. See also the hiking trails and Azorean culture, the source of the island’s manezinho way of life.

Symbol of the city

The manezinho frog is often cited as an animal symbol of Florianópolis. This guide has not yet checked the text of the municipal law in an official source; as soon as that is done, the details will be added here.