THIS SPECIES IS AT RISK OF EXTINCTION DUE TO LOSS OF HABITAT. Calate is a Mexican tree frog residing in mountain forests and rainforests in the regions of northeastern Hidalgo, central eastern Veracruz, and northeast Puebla. The head of these frogs is as wide as their body, which measures to 7.7 centimeters in males, and 9.5 centimeters in females.
Both sexes have thick lips and a slightly elongated snout, but the females’ eye diameter is slightly larger. Calates are typically green with brown spots or vice versa. The whole body is edible, which is the reason why these frogs are locally prepared in vegetable broths, rice, and even in Mexican mole sauces.
Alternatively, they can be steamed or fried. The city of Atzalan, Veracruz is one of the few places where these frogs are considered an edible species. Calates are traditionally consumed on September 29, as the locals celebrate their patron saint, St. Michael the Archangel.
The hunters dissect the frogs and sell them in local markets, while local families gather calates for subsistence. Unfortunately, ever since the early 2000s, the calate population has been in decline due to loss of habitat, and if these frogs become extinct, the local community will lose some of its identity and culinary traditions.
