Cochran Frog vs Collared Myna

Nymphargus cochranae compared with Acridotheres albocinctus

Key Differences

• Cochran Frog is Vulnerable while Collared Myna is Least Concern.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Cochran Frog	Collared Myna
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Chordata (Chordates)	Chordata (Chordates)
Class	Amphibia (Amphibians)	Aves (Birds)
Order	Anura (Frogs & Toads)	Passeriformes (Songbirds)
Family	Centrolenidae	Sturnidae
Genus	Nymphargus	Acridotheres
Species	Nymphargus cochranae	Acridotheres albocinctus

Evolutionary Relationship

Cochran Frog and Collared Myna share a common ancestor at the Phylum level: Chordata. (Chordates)

Conservation Status

Cochran Frog

VU — Vulnerable

Collared Myna

LC — Least Concern

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Cochran Frog	Collared Myna
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Cochran Frog

Habitat

Typically found in freshwater habitats, moist forests, and wetlands.

Range

Found in Colombia. Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

Collared Myna

Habitat

Typically found in various aerial, terrestrial, and aquatic environments.

Range

Found in Norway.

Cochran Frog

The Cochran frog (Nymphargus cochranae) is a small glass frog in the family Centrolenidae, native to the cloud forests of the western and central Andes in Colombia. Like other centrolenid frogs, it is characterised by semi-transparent or translucent ventral skin through which internal organs — including the heart, liver, and digestive tract — are visible, a feature that gives the family its common name. The species inhabits humid montane rainforest along streams at elevations typically between 1,500 and 2,800 metres, where males call from vegetation overhanging fast-flowing streams to attract females. Eggs are deposited in gelatinous masses on leaves or rocks above the water; upon hatching, tadpoles drop into the stream below and develop in the current-swept environment. Nymphargus cochranae is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, primarily due to ongoing deforestation and degradation of cloud forest habitats driven by agricultural expansion, cattle ranching, and coca cultivation across its Colombian Andean range. Glass frogs are additionally sensitive to stream water quality, making them useful bioindicators of watershed health. The species was named in honour of the eminent American herpetologist Doris Mable Cochran of the Smithsonian Institution, who made foundational contributions to Central and South American amphibian taxonomy in the mid-twentieth century. Continued habitat protection and reforestation efforts are critical for its long-term survival.

Collared Myna

The Collared Myna, known scientifically as <em>Acridotheres albocinctus</em>, is a passerine bird belonging to the starling family Sturnidae. <em>Acridotheres albocinctus</em> is recognised by its contrasting plumage, which typically features a dark body with a distinct white collar or band — a feature reflected in both its common and scientific names. As a member of the myna genus Acridotheres, this species generally inhabits open woodland, grassland edges, and areas associated with human settlement, where it forages on the ground for invertebrates, fruits, and seeds. It is reported to occur in Norway according to available range data. Detailed biological traits including typical lifespan, body length, and weight are poorly documented for this species in available literature. The Collared Myna is currently assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that the global population is considered stable without significant conservation concerns at this time.