Hemisus microscaphus Laurent, 1972
The IUCN Red List (2010) categorizes this species as Least Concern in view of its relatively wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category (Largen, 2004).
It is not known from any protected areas (Largen, 2004).
The main threat is environmental degradation as a result of human settlement and expansion (Largen, 2004).
Populations of this species are decreasing (Largen, 2004).
It is a fossorial species, generally living underground except when breeding (Largen, 2004).
This species is endemic to the highlands of southwestern and western Ethiopia (Largen, 2004).
It is typically found in montane grassland at elevations between at 1,500 and 2,700m asl. but penetrates at least marginally into tropical deciduous forest and into somewhat arid savannah. It is usually found in marshy situations, and in the vicinity of streams (Largen, 2004).
It seems to be relatively common in a number of different habitats (Largen, 2004).
Eggs are presumably laid in subterranean nests in which the tadpoles hatch, and from where they subsequently move into water to develop. Larval development has been confirmed in a small, semi-permanent pool, and has been suspected in a small river (Largen, 2004).