Amphibians from all over the world
Incilius coniferus (green climbing toad) [1/4]
In amplexus © Steven Waldron
Incilius coniferus (green climbing toad) [2/4]
The green climbing toad is often climbing above the ground on shrubs or trees.
© Twan Leenders
Incilius coniferus (green climbing toad) [3/4]
Distribution: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Panama
© Jodi Rowley
Incilius coniferus (green climbing toad) [4/4]
In amplexus
Echinotriton chinhaiensis [1/9]
This salamander species can be found in two valleys east of the city Ningbo in the Zhejiang province of China. There it inhabits a forest area 100-200 m above sea level. © Max Sparreboom
Echinotriton chinhaiensis [2/9]
According the the IUCN Redlist the population consists of approximately 300 mature individuals. Because of the small population and the small area of distribution this species is listed as “Critically Endangered”. © Vance Vredenburg
Echinotriton chinhaiensis [3/9]
One major threat this species faces is the pollution of the breeding ponds. Attempts are being made to prevent farmers from dumping pollutants and cleaning their equipment in the ponds. © J. Carl Ganter
Echinotriton chinhaiensis [4/9]
They lay small clumps of eggs on land close to small, sheltered ponds. When hatched, larvae travel over land into water. © Max Sparreboom
Echinotriton chinhaiensis [5/9]
They move onto land after metamorphosis, and never return to water again.
On the photo a larva living in the water that hasn’t metamorphosed yet. © Kai Wang
Echinotriton chinhaiensis [6/9]
To avoid getting killed by a predator, Echinotriton chinhaiensis use a technique known as the unken reflex. © Max Sparreboom
Echinotriton andersoni [7/9]
Echinotriton andersoni (Anderson’s crocodile newt) is a closely related to E. chinhaiensis. E. andersoni is thought to be extinct in Taiwan but can still be found on Okinawa and Amami islands in Japan.
Echinotriton andersoni [8/9]
Echinotriton andersoni [9/9]
Echinotriton andersoni is listed as “Endangered”. One of the biggest problem is that they are often trapped in gullies. (photo of this gully is not from Japan)
Physalaemus nattereri (Cuyaba dwarf frog) [1/2]
The Cuyaba dwarf frog is a frog native to central and southeastern Brazil and eastern Bolivia and Paraguay. © Michel de Aguiar Passos
Physalaemus nattereri (Cuyaba dwarf frog) [2/2]
When in danger this frogs tries to fool its predators with the eyespots. © Felipe Gomes
Phyllomedusa hypochondrialis (northern orange-legged leaf frog)
After heavy rainfall this species places its eggs above water in convoluted leafs. After hatching the tadpoles fall into water.
CORRECTION: Dispersion indicated on the map is incomplete.
Anotheca spinosa (Spiny-headed tree frog) [1/2]
The Spiny-headed tree frog can be found in Mexico, Panama, Honduras and Costa Rica. © Mehgan Murphy, Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Anotheca spinosa (Spiny-headed tree frog) [2/2]
© Josh Vandermeulen
Hyla versicolor (Gray tree frog) [1/19]
Gray tree frogs are variable in colors. They can camouflage themselves from gray to green. © Scott W. Smith, Animals Aniamals
Hyla versicolor (Gray tree frog) [2/19]
Hyla versicolor (Gray tree frog) [3/19]
Dead Gray tree frogs and ones in unnatural surroundings are predominantly gray.
Hyla versicolor (Gray tree frog) [4/19]
Gray tree frogs rarely ever descend from high treetops except for breeding. © Griffin Harris
Hyla versicolor (Gray tree frog) [5/19]
Gray tree frogs are nocturnal, they normally sleep during the day.
Hyla versicolor (Gray tree frog) [6/19]
Where is the frog?
Hyla versicolor (Gray tree frog) [7/19]
© Gary Nafis
Hyla versicolor (Gray tree frog) [8/19]
Hyla versicolor (Gray tree frog) [9/19]
Hyla versicolor (Gray tree frog) [10/19]
Hyla versicolor (Gray tree frog) [11/19]
Hyla versicolor (Gray tree frog) [12/19]
Hyla versicolor (Gray tree frog) [13/19]
The Gray tree frog is native to much of the eastern United States and southeastern Canada.
Hyla versicolor (Gray tree frog) [14/19]
Albino
Hyla versicolor (Gray tree frog) [15/19]
In Amplexus © fredlyfish4
Hyla versicolor (Gray tree frog) [16/19]
In Amplexus
Hyla chrysoscelis (Cope’s gray tree frog) [17/19]
Cope’s gray tree frog can also change its color and is virtually indistinguishable from the Gray tree frog . The only readily noticeable difference being their croak. But how to differ the females?
Hyla chrysoscelis (Cope’s gray tree frog) [18/19]
The Gray tree frogs has twice as many chromosomes as the Cope’s gray tree frog and so if you karyotype one you will have your identification. But karyotyping isn’t a very useful character for identifying them in the field.
(Humans have 46 Chromosomes. female: 2*22 + X + X male: 2*22 + X + Y)
Hyla chrysoscelis (Cope’s gray tree frog) [19/19]
Distribution
Notaden bennettii (Holy Cross Frog) [1/3]
The Holy Cross Frog The Holy Cross Frog is a small frog, it is one of the few native Australian frogs to display aposematism.
Notaden bennettii (Holy Cross Frog) [2/3]
During dry period the Holy Cross frog lives underground. It emerges after heavy rains.
Notaden bennettii (Holy Cross Frog) [3/3]
When provoked the Holy Cross frog exudes a tacky and elastic “frog glue”. This glue has been found to be stronger than available non-toxic medical glues and is a great topic in the glue science. The Holy Cross frog glue is a protein-based pressure-sensitive glue that functions even in wet conditions.
Dyscophus antongilii (Madagascar tomato frog) [1/3]
Dyscophus antongilii (Madagascar tomato frog) [2/3]
A white substance secreted from the skin acts as a glue to deter predators and can produce an allergic reaction in humans.
Dyscophus antongilii (Madagascar tomato frog) [3/3]
Numbers of the tomato frog have been declining as a result of habitat degradation and pollution as well as the over-collection for the pet trade.
Notophthalmus viridescens (Eastern newt) [1/8]
The eastern newt is the second most widely distributed salamander species in the United States. Four subspecies of the eastern newt are currently recognised: Red-spotted newt (Notophthalmus viridescens veridescens, Broken-striped newt (Notophthalmus viridescens dorsalis), Central newt (Notophthalmus viridescens louisianensis) and the Peninsula newt (Notophthalmus viridescens piaropicola)
© Brian Gratwicke
Notophthalmus viridescens (Eastern newt) [2/8]
Eastern newts have three stages of life:
1. The aquatic larva stage
2. The terrestrial juvenile stage (red eft stage)
3. The aquatic adult stage (green stage).
Notophthalmus viridescens veridescens (Red-spotted newt) [3/8]
Notophthalmus viridescens dorsalis (Broken-striped newt) [4/8]
Notophthalmus viridescens louisianensis (Central newt) [5/8]
Notophthalmus viridescens (Eastern newt) [6/8]
Mismatch
Notophthalmus viridescens (Eastern newt) [7/8]
The characteristic courtship behavior of the Eastern newt: The male grasping the female with its hind leg. © J.B. Wheatley
Notophthalmus viridescens (Eastern newt) [8/8]
© David M. Dennis, Animals Animals
Hyloscirtus – Ecozone Neotropic [1/4]
Hyloscirtus is a genus of relatively large Neotropical frogs in the Hylidae family. The Neotropic ecozone is one of the eight ecozones dividing the Earth’s surface. Physically, it includes the tropical terrestrial ecoregions of both Americas and the entire South American temperate zone.
Hyloscirtus tigrinus (Tiger’s Treefrog) [2/4]
Hyloscirtus species are mainly found in foothill and mountain forest in the Andes. © Thomas Marent
Hyloscirtus tigrinus (Tiger’s Treefrog) [3/4]
Hyloscirtus tigrinus has been described in the Andes of Colombia and Ecuador. © Jonh Jairo Mueses
Hyloscirtus tigrinus (Tiger’s Treefrog) [4/4]
Hyloscirtus tigrinus is listed as “Endangered” mainly because of its estimated small population size. Scientists estimate there are only 250 adult tiger’s tree frogs alive. © Thomas Marent
Myobatrachus gouldii (Turtle frog) [1/6]
The Turtle frog is a Western Australian frog and the only species in the genus Myobatrachus.
Myobatrachus gouldii (Turtle frog) [2/6]
The turtle frog is up to 4.5 cm ((1.8 in) long. © Henry Cook
Myobatrachus gouldii (Turtle frog) [3/6]
The habitat consists of sandy areas with dense vegetation. The turtle frog feeds on termites and can usually be found in termite mounds.
Myobatrachus gouldii (Turtle frog) [4/6]
A large part of its life the turtle frog is buried underground. Only after rain the turtle frog comes out.
Myobatrachus gouldii (Turtle frog) [5/6]
Breeding season begins with heavy rain. The eggs are buried in an approximately one meter deep hole. There is no visible tadpole stage, the larvae develop fully in the egg.
Myobatrachus gouldii (Turtle frog) [6/6]
Litoria moorei (motorbike frog) [1/4]
The motorbike frog is a ground-dwelling tree frog of the Hylidae family and is well known in Southwest Australia. © Westoz (pentaxforums user)
Litoria moorei (motorbike frog) [2/4]
The motorbike frog’s croak sounds like a motor bike hence the name.
Litoria moorei (motorbike frog) [3/4]
The motorbike frog is able to camouflage itself well, and ranges in colour from dark brown, through green, to gold. © Westoz (pentaxforums user)
Litoria moorei (motorbike frog) [4/4]
No, no motorbike is driving past just a motorbike frog male calling. © Cygnus insignis (wikimedia user)
Hemisotidae (Shovelnose frogs) [1/5]
Shovelnose frogs can be found in tropical and subtropical Africa. Here shown: Hemisus marmoratus (marbled shovelnose frog)
Hemisotidae (Shovelnose frogs) [2/5]
The family of shovelnose frogs contains nine species: Hemisus barotseensis (Mongu shovelnose frog), Hemisus brachydactylus (Masiliwa shovelnose frog), Hemisus guineensis (Guinea shovelnose frog), Hemisus guttatus (spotted shovelnose frog), Hemisus marmoratus (marbled shovelnose frog), Hemisus microscaphus (Lake Zwai shovelnose frog), Hemisus olivaceus (olive shovelnose frog), Hemisus perreti (Perret’s shovelnose frog), Hemisus wittei (Witte’s shovelnose frog).
Here shown: Hemisus marmoratus (marbled shovelnose frog)
Hemisotidae (Shovelnose frogs) [3/5]
The shovelnose frogs are burrowing frogs, living most of their lives underground. They feed on ants and termites. Here shown: Hemisus marmoratus (marbled shovelnose frog)
Hemisotidae (Shovelnose frogs) [4/5]
The Shovelnose frogs place their eggs in an underground cavity. Once sufficient rain has fallen, the female frog burrows towards a water source, where the tadpoles will remain until metamorphosis.
Here shown: Hemisus guttatus (spotted shovelnose frog) © Tyrone Ping
Hemisotidae (Shovelnose frogs) [5/5]
Although officially known as Shovelnose frogs I think you will agree that a translation of its scientific name is more appropriate (Piglet frogs). Here shown: Hemisus guttatus (spotted shovelnose frog)
Chiromantis xerampelina (Grey Foam Nest Tree frog)
The tadpoles can grow well-protected in the foam nest above a pond. As soon as there isn’t sufficient nutrition in the foam nest anymore, the tadpoles swim downwards and fall into the water.
Atretochoana eiselti (penis snake) [1/5]
Atretochoana eiselti (penis snake) [2/5]
Like all other caecilians the penis snakes lack limbs.
Atretochoana eiselti (penis snake) [3/5]
Most caecilians are burrowers, but some, including Atretochoana’s relatives, are largely aquatic.
Atretochoana eiselti (penis snake) [4/5]
Caeclilian derives from the Latin word caecus meaning blind, but most caecilians have small eyes. However those eyes are limited to dark-light perception.
Atretochoana eiselti (penis snake) [5/5]
The penis snake has been found in Brazil and was first described 1968. The 1968 type specimen can be found in the Naturhistorisches Museum (Vienna). Humans were not able to rediscover the penis snake before 1998 and 2011.
Spicospina flammocaerulea (Sunset Frog) [1/5]
The West Australia endemic Sunset Frog was first discovered 1994 and named 1997. © Greg Harold, Auscape International
Spicospina flammocaerulea (Sunset Frog) [2/5]
The Sunset frog is so called because of its striking appearance; reminiscent of the colors at sunset. © B. Maryan
Spicospina flammocaerulea (Sunset Frog) [3/5]
The species of the Sunset Frogs can only be found at 29 sites. All those 29 populations are located close to the city Walpole at the south coast of West Australia. © Chris Mattison, www.flpa-images.cok.uk
Spicospina flammocaerulea (Sunset Frog) [4/5]
The 3-3.5 cm small frog is found in permanent moist swamps. © Perth Zoo
Spicospina flammocaerulea (Sunset Frog) [5/5]
From 2007 to 2011 the Sunset Frog was bred in the Perth Zoo for research purposes. © Perth Zoo
Ascaphus (Tailed frogs) [1/6]
The genus of tailed frogs (Ascaphus) belongs to the native frogs and consists of two species, which are distributed in Northwestern United States and Southwestern Canada: Ascaphus montanus (Rocky Mountain tailed frog) and Ascaphus truei (Western or coastal tailed frog). Here shown: Ascaphus montanus (Rocky Mountain tailed frog) © Brad Moon
Ascaphus (Tailed frogs) [2/6]
The existence of the tail in a male makes this frog family distinct from all other frogs. But why do males have a tail? What is the evolutionary explanation? Here shown: Ascaphus truei (Western or coastal tailed frog)
Ascaphus (Tailed frogs) [3/6]
The tail is an adaption to the habitat. As tailed frogs live in fast moving streams an external insemination of the spawn would be by far less effective.
Ascaphus (Tailed frogs) [4/6]
Besides the streamlined morphology the tadpoles have a suction mouth. The tadpoles often adhere to bathing Humans, but are totally harmless. By the way, the tadpoles need 1-4 years for their development, which is unusual long. Here shown: Ascaphus truei (Western or coastal tailed frog) © Alan Barron
Ascaphus (Tailed frogs) [5/6]
Tailed frogs are mainly endangered because of the deforestation. Is the river too sun exposed the algae growth on the stones is heavily increased. The tadpoles do have problems to adhere to those stones and are flushed away. Furthermore do the tadpoles consume large quantities of conifer pollen. Here shown: Ascaphus truei (Western or coastal tailed frog) © Gary Nafis
Ascaphus (Tailed frogs) [6/6]
Ascaphus (Tailed frogs) [6/6]
Never hold a tailed frog too long in your hand! The Tailed frog lives mostly in cool water and does not like the heat of a human’s hand! Here shown: Ascaphus truei (Western or coastal tailed frog) © Tom A. Titus
Ommatotriton ophryticus (Northern banded newt) [1/6]
The Northern banded newt is endemic to parts of Armenia, Georgia, Russia and Turkey. © salamanderland.at
Ommatotriton ophryticus (Northern banded newt) [2/6]
In Caucasus the populations are rapid declining due to predation from invasive raccoons and collection for the pet trade. © Adem Adakul
Ommatotriton ophryticus (Northern banded newt) [3/6]
During the mating time the males are in a mating dress. During that time the males are very aggressive and defend their territory against other males by threatening and if necessary by biting.
Ommatotriton ophryticus (Northern banded newt) [4/6]
The Northern banded newt is a big newt with maximal length of 18 cm. The males are bigger than the females. © Matt Berroneau
Ommatotriton ophryticus (Northern banded newt) [5/6]
© Hasan Yasaycak
Ommatotriton ophryticus (Northern banded newt) [6/6]
As of late the Northern banded newt can also be found in Catalonia. It seems that a population is growing there. A gigantic idiot released this species into the wild or is there another explanation? © Bobby Bok (fieldherping.eu user)
Melanophryniscus admirabilis (red-foot toad) [1/5]
The red-belly toad, first described in 2006, can only be found in a narrow area along 700 m of the Forqueta river, in the locality known as Perau de Janeiro in Southern Brazil. © Michelle Abadie
Melanophryniscus admirabilis (red-foot toad) [2/5]
The main threat to this toad is the installation of a small hydroelectric power plant a few meters (500 m) upstream from where this species is found. © Rodrigo Baleia
Melanophryniscus admirabilis (red-foot toad) [3/5]
Although the local media (newspapers, radio, TV) took against the toad, the Amphibian Specialist Group and the Amphibian Survival Alliance were able to convince the Brazilian environmental agency. Thus, in mid-2014, the implementation license for the hydroelectric power plant was officially denied. © Samuel Renner
Melanophryniscus admirabilis (red-foot toad) [4/5]
Local media argued that the economic growth should be way more important than this toads’ species. © Rodrigo Baleia
Melanophryniscus admirabilis (red-foot toad) [5/5]
The official name red-belly toad makes no sense, another name has been added. By the way, there is no regulation for non-scientific animal names. Non-scientific names are established by authors.
© Samuel Renner
Leiopelma hamiltoni (Hamilton’s frog) [1/3]
Hamilton’s frog is a primitive frog native to New Zealand, one of only four extant species belonging to the taxonomic family Leiopelmatidae. It can only be found on the Stephens Island and it is one of the rarest frogs in the world. © Phil Bishop
Leiopelma hamiltoni (Hamilton’s frog) [2/3]
New Zealand’s native frogs develop totally within a gelatinous capsule in the egg, hatching out as froglets. They are therefore not dependent upon water for reproduction. The male Hamilton’s frog guards the eggs until hatching and carries his young around on his back.
Leiopelma hamiltoni (Hamilton’s frog) [3/3]
Hamilton’s frogs like other primitive frogs of the family Leiopelmatidae can jump but have no landing technique. (Frogs first learned (adapted) to jump before learning (adapting) how to land.) © Gerald Cubitt, photoshot.com
Raorchestes chalazodes (white spotted bush frog) [1/7]
The white spotted bush frog, which is less than 25mm in length, was rediscovered in 2003 in the Western Ghats mountain range (India) after being presumed extinct for over 100 years. © K. S. Seshadri
Raorchestes chalazodes (white spotted bush frog) [2/7]
The white spotted bush frogs breed inside hollow parts of bamboo. © K. S. Seshadri
Raorchestes chalazodes (white spotted bush frog) [3/7]
Male frogs guard the eggs, which hatch directly into froglets. © K. S. Seshadri
Raorchestes chalazodes (white spotted bush frog) [4/7]
© Amit Sayyed
Raorchestes chalazodes (white spotted bush frog) [5/7]
© K. S. Seshadri
Raorchestes chalazodes (white spotted bush frog) [6/7]
© Vijesh Vallikkunnu
Raorchestes ochlandrae (Ochlandrae reed frog) [7/7]
Worldwide only the Ochlandrae reed frog is thought to use the same reproductive mode with the bambo. It is also endemic to the Western Ghats of India. © K. S. Seshadri
Dendropsophus ozzyi (Ozzy Osbourne frog)
This new tree frogs species has been discovered in 2009 in the Brazilian Amazon and is the only known amphibian species to have a bat-like call. It was named after the rock legend Ozzy Osbourne. At a concert in 1981, Osbourne bit the head off a living bat that a fan threw on the stage. © Marcel Sturaro
Proteus anguinus (olm) [1/8]
The olm is a neotenic salamander, maintaining external gills and other larval characteristics throughout its life. It is naturally distributed in some caves of the dinaric alps, a mountain chain in Southern Europe.
Proteus anguinus (olm) [2/8]
Its eyes are regressed, but retain sensitivity to light. Because of its skin color similar to that of white people it is occasionally called the “human fish”. However an olm does not display albinism, as it still possesses the ability to produce melanin after exposure to light.
Proteus anguinus parkelj (black olm) [3/8]
There is also a black variant called the black olm, which has a permanent dark pigmentation of the skin , and probably more functional eyes. The black olm has been found above ground in two neighboring springs in Bela Krajina (southeast Slovenia).
Proteus anguinus (olm) [4/8]
Olms are expected to be the longest-living amphibians. Their predicted maximum lifespan is over 100 years.
Proteus anguinus (olm) [5/8]
Olms prefer cold temperatures between 7° and 12° C. Therefore they should not be touched with our warm hands.
Proteus anguinus (olm) [6/8]
Female protecting its eggs.
Proteus anguinus (olm) [7/8]
Did you know that olms can go to starvation up to 10 years? It can consume large amounts of food at once, and store nutrients as large deposits of lipids and glycogen in the liver.
Proteus anguinus (olm) [8/8]
The olm has been introduced to some caves in France (grottes de moulis) and Germany (Hermanns Höhle).
Hemiphractus proboscideus (Long-nosed Casque-headed Treefrog) [1/5]
The Long-nosed Casque-headed Treefrog is found in moist lowland forest and moist montane forest of Ecuador, Peru and Colombia. © Dick Bartlett
Hemiphractidae family [2/5]
The Long-nosed Casque-headed Treefrog (Hemiphractus proboscideus) belongs to the family of Hemiphractidae. An unusual and unique adaptation in this family is the breeding behavior where the eggs develop on the females back. In this photo shown: Hemiphractus fasciatus
Hemiphractus proboscideus (Long-nosed Casque-headed Treefrog) [3/5]
When defending itself, this frog will open the mouth to show its bright yellow interior and its bright yellow tongue. © Dick Bartlett
Hemiphractus proboscideus (Long-nosed Casque-headed Treefrog) [4/5]
These frogs can bite. They have outgrowths of the lower jaw which are similar but not equivalent to true teeth. © Dick Bartlett
Hemiphractus proboscideus (Long-nosed Casque-headed Treefrog) [5/5]
Adult females range from 52-67 mm while the males are 43-50 mm. © Dick Bartlett
Bolitoglossa chica (Hotel Zaracay Salamander) [1/2]
The Hotel Zaracay Salamander is endemic to the provinces of Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas and Pichincha (Ecuador). Furthermore this salamander has also been found in the “Reserva Natural de la Planada” (Colombia).
Bolitoglossa chica (Hotel Zaracay Salamander) [2/2]
The holotype was captured during night on the grounds of the Hotel Zaracay. Based on the holotype the species has been described by Brame and Wake (1963). © hotelzaracay.com
Osornophryne simpsoni (Spimpson’s Plump Toad) [1/3]
The Simpsons Toad can only be found in Ecuador. It belongs to the family bufonidae (true toads). The holotype has been found in 2009 and the species has been described in 2011.
Osornophryne simpsoni (Spimpson’s Plump Toad) [2/3]
The toad was named in honor to Nigel Simpson for helping conserving the cloud forests in Ecuador.
Osornophryne simpsoni (Spimpson’s Plump Toad) [3/3]
An animal can be preserved in alcohol (Ethanol 70-90% per cent by volume). Removal of the intestine prior to storage of the animal in alcohol is recommended.
Diaglena reticulata (Shovel-nose tree frog)
The Shovel-nose tree frog is a species of frog in the Hylidae family endemic to Mexico. This frog is not just looking weird, its mating call is also pretty awesome. Mating call: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CnO2CvBWnQ
Vibrissaphora boringii (Emei moustache toad) [1/5]
The Emei moustache toad is endemic to China where it is found in Sichuan, Guizhou and Hunan provinces.
Vibrissaphora boringii (Emei moustache toad) [2/5]
During the breeding season keratinized nuptial spines grow on the upper lip of male moustache toads.
Vibrissaphora boringii (Emei moustache toad) [3/5]
The sharp facial spikes are used by the males in territorial fights. Victors win the right to mate.
Vibrissaphora boringii (Emei moustache toad) [4/5]
A: male during the breeding season / B: a male losing his nuptial spines at the end of the breeding season.
Vibrissaphora boringii (Emei moustache toad) [5/5]
Vandijkophrynus amatolicus (Amathole Toad) [1/4]
The Amathole Toad is a small toad (4 cm in length) and can only be found in the grasslands of the Winterberg and Amathole mountains in the Eastern Cape (South African province).
Vandijkophrynus amatolicus (Amathole Toad) [2/4]
The Amathole Toad is threatened with extinction because of the elimination of a large proportion of grassland wetland habitat due to extensive commercial forestation. Other threats include overgrazing and fires.
Vandijkophrynus amatolicus (Amathole Toad) [3/4]
This species has not been seen for 13 years from 1998 to 2011. Since 2011 only five specimens have been seen. In order to work out conservation plans, scientist need to know where exactly those toads can be found.
Vandijkophrynus amatolicus (Amathole Toad) [4/4]
As those toads are rare and fossorial they are difficult to find. That is why scientists want to use the sniffer dog (Jessie – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessie-the-Border-collie/710550039064555?fref=photo) to find them. The dog will be trained to scent samples obtained from an Amathole toad. An initial field trip is planned for February/March 2015.
Ecxidobates mysteriosus (Chocolate Frog) [1/5]
Chocolate frogs belong to the family of poison dart frogs (Dendrobatidae) and occur at an altitude of 900-1100 m. This species is listed as endangered because its extent of occurrence is less than 5,000 km2. The main threat is habitat clearance for agricultural use (including pastureland and coffee cultivation). There are only three known sites remaining in Peru where populations are stable.
Ecxidobates mysteriosus (Chocolate Frog) [2/5]
This large cliff containing many bromeliads is one of the three remaining sites in Peru, where this species can be found. Chocolate frogs strongly rely on bromeliads growing in older trees or on rocks. Bromeliads are used to help maintain a stable temperature. © Wouter Olthof
Ecxidobates mysteriosus (Chocolate Frog) [3/5]
Chocolate Frogs lay their eggs in moist places or in water that accumulates at the bottom of the bromeliads. The tadpoles may grow and metamorph at the place of oviposition or being transported by adults to better water pools. At each control visit the female deposits an unfertilized egg to feed the tadpoles. © Tobias Eisenberg
Ecxidobates mysteriosus (Chocolate Frog) [4/5]
Like other species of poison dart frogs the skin of the chocolate frog contains a natural poison. After 6-12 months in captivity, the animals lose their toxicity. So it is suspected that the toxicity comes from their diet in nature.
Ecxidobates mysteriosus (Chocolate Frog) [5/5]
“Halloren” the oldest german chocolate factory helps (godparenthood) the chocolate frogs in the “Zoo Halle”. There are just six frogs and some tadpoles, nevertheless a unique gesture of a food company. In case of chocolate frogs breeding in captivity makes totally sense. By the way, the scientific species name, “mysteriosus” comes from the fact that the first description in 1982 by Charles w. Myers was based on only a mysterious juvenile, captured in 1929 by the geologist Harvey Bassler. In 1989, the herpetologist Rainer Schulte and his team rediscovered the species.
Aneides lugubris (arboreal salamander)
Have you ever been bitten by a salamander? © Val Johnson
Telmatobius culeus (Titicaca water frog) [1/7]
The Titicaca water frog belongs to the biggest frogs on earth, only the Lake Junin frog (Batrachophrynus macrostomus) and the goliath frog (Conraua goliath) are bigger. A Titicaca water frog can weigh up to 1 kg (snout-vent length: 30 cm), however most are smaller (snout-vent length: 7.5-13.8 cm).
Telmatobius culeus (Titicaca water frog) [2/7]
The Titicaca water frog is entirely aquatic and only found in Lake Titicaca and rivers that flow into this lake. All those water bodies are located in Peru and Bolivia. In the seventies a diver was able to see millions of Titicaca water frogs in the Lake Titicaca. Now most of them have disappeared. The Titicaca water frog is now facing extinction.
Telmatobius culeus (Titicaca water frog) [3/7]
Most Titicaca water frogs disappeared because of over-collecting for human consumption, pollution and predation of tadpoles by introduced non-native trout. © aquaportail.com
Telmatobius culeus (Titicaca water frog) [4/7]
Most collected Titicaca frogs are used for food production. Lots of restaurants in Peru and Bolivia sell their legs. At some places mainly in the Andes and in Lima (Peru) a frog juice known locally as “Rana y Maca” is offered. (Other utilizations in traditional medicine: Dried frog meat is said to cure tuberculosis. One treatment for a fracture requires tying a frog to the area as a poultice. A small live frog is swallowed whole to cure a fever. Frog-Soup is used to treat both anemia and female infertility. Furthermore Titicaca frogs are used to produce some kind of viagra.) © Pete Oxford, naturepl.com
Telmatobius culeus (Titicaca water frog) [5/7]
To make “Rana y Maca” the juicemaker takes a frog from a small aquarium and kills it by whacking it on the counter of the juice stall. Then the skin is being peeled off and the little fellow is dropped into a blender with carrots, the Peruvian maca root and honey, before pouring out the greenish juice.
Telmatobius culeus (Titicaca water frog) [6/7]
Why does the Titicaca water frog actually have such a wrinkled skin?
Telmatobius culeus (Titicaca water frog) [7/7]
The lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, with a surface elevation of 3,812 m (12,507 ft). At this altitude variation in air temperatures are enormous. To avoid those enormous variations the Titicaca water frogs limits himself to the water. Living mainly under water requires adaptions: “The lungs are a bit degenerated and most oxygen is taken up through the skin. The wrinkled skin enlarges the surface and enables a better oxygen uptake.” Furthermore at such a high altitude there is not only less oxygen in the air but also in the water. Other adaptions: Titicaca water frogs have the most and smallest hemoglobin among all known amphibians. Hemoglobins are the iron-containing oxygen-transport proteins in the red blood cells of all vertebrates.
Hyalinobatrachium dianae (Diane’s bare-hearted glassfrog)
Characterized by a partial lack of pigmentation in their skin, glass frogs can only be found in parts of Central and South America. In Costa Rican mountains a new species of glass frog has been discovered. The new frog species is named for the mother (Janet Diana Kubicki) of the frog’s discoverer. The call of this frog is similar to an insect’s call, an explanation why this frog has been undetected for such a long time. © Brian Kubicki
Pseudotriton ruber (red salamander) [1/3]
The red salamander belonging to the family of lungless salamanders (Plethodontidae) respires through its skin only. It can be found in the Southeastern United States. © Jim Petranka
Pseudotriton ruber (red salamander) [2/3]
It generally lives in springs or streams during winter, during summer it can also be found on land along streams and in other moist environments such as under logs and rocks. © Lisa Powers
Pseudotriton ruber (red salamander) [3/3]
Mating season lasts from spring to early fall. The female can store the sperms and lays the eggs in the early fall in the water. The larvae live for 27 to 31 months in the water and then metamorphosis takes place. © Mark Tegges
Atelopus hoogmoedi [1/4]
Atelopus is a large genus of true toads ( Bufonidae), commonly known as stubfoot toads, from Central and South America (Bolivia to Costa Rica). © Pedro Bernardo
Atelopus Varius [2/4]
Atelopus species are small, generally brightly colored, and diurnal. More than 90 species of Atelopus have been described. © Pete Oxford
Atelopus certus orange [3/4]
As a member of the family of true toads (Bufonidae) all Atelopus species have a Bidder’s organ. The Bidder’s organ is an undeveloped ovary located anterior to the testis in male true toads. Removing or impairment of the testis turns the Bidder’s organ into functional ovaries, a male turns into a female. © Brian Gratwicke
Atelopus spumarius [4/4]
The Bidder’s organ is common in males, however it has also been found in females. Females can have Bidder’s organs in addition to true ovaries which suggests that the Bidder’s organ might not be a rudimentary ovary. The true function of the Bidder’s organ remains a mystery. © Benjamin Tapley
Ambystoma opacum (marbled salamander) [1/6]
The marbled salamander can be found in the eastern United States, from Long Island to northern Florida. © Kyle L.E. (flickr.com/photos/kyle_reptiles)
Ambystoma opacum (marbled salamander) [2/6]
Adult marbled salamanders are terrestrial and live in damp woodlands, often close to ponds or streams. They spends most of their lifetime in burrows or under logs. © Kyle L.E. (flickr.com/photos/kyle_reptiles)
Ambystoma opacum (marbled salamander) [3/6]
In late summer or in fall the female lays up to 200 eggs in a little cavity close to a pond or potential temporary pond. The female guards the eggs and waits that the area gets flooded. © Jack Ray
Ambystoma opacum (marbled salamander) [4/6]
Larvae typically mature as quickly as two months in the southern part of their range, but take up to six months to mature in the northern part, in rare cases it takes up to nine months. In this picture: a freshly transformed salamander. © Mark Musselman
Ambystoma opacum (marbled salamander) [5/6]
And here an adult specimen; it takes 2-3 years for them to become mature and they can become older than 10 years. © liasis (imgur.com user)
Ambystoma opacum (marbled salamander) [6/6]
Because of its wide distribution, the marbled salamander is listed as Least Concern. Marbled salamanders however are locally endangered. In southern United States, the greatest environmental threat to this species is the loss and destruction of floodplain forest. © First Choice Reptiles
Ansonia latidisca (rainbow toad)
The rainbow toad is a small true toad (Bufonidae) rediscovered in 2011 after being unseen since 1924. It is endemic to Borneo and is only known from two locations. Scientist are unwilling to make public information about the toads’ exact location. They are concerned because of poachers and the international pet trade. The photo shown here is the first photo of a rainbow toad.
© Indraneil Das
Agalychnis callidryas (red-eyed tree frog) [1/3]
The large red eyes help to scare off predators and serve as identification among the frogs. © Peter Wollinga
Agalychnis callidryas (red-eyed tree frog) [2/3]
The red-eyed tree frogs spawn on plants next to a waterbody. © Matthew Magellan
Agalychnis callidryas (red-eyed tree frog) [3/3]
Most of the times the tadpoles can hatch safely and fall down into the water. In this case here however, some ants (Azteca sp.) are making troubles. © Myra Hughey
Afrixalus vebekensis (Nimba banana frog)
The Nimba banana frog can be found in Ghana and the Ivory Coast. It breeds in small temporary ponds and puddles. © Piotr Naskrecki
Breviceps acutirostris (Strawberry Rain Frog)
Strawberry Rain Frogs are endemic to the mountains of the southwestern Cape in South Africa. Strawberry Rain Frogs are burrowing frogs, they can reproduce independently of waterbodies by direct development. © hardaker.co.za
Xenohyla truncata (fruit frog) [1/2]
The fruit frog, lives near the beaches of Rio de Janeiro in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. The fruit frog is one of the few anurans known to eat fruits.
Xenohyla truncata (fruit frog) [2/2]
As a matter of course fruit frogs still eat protein-rich foods as arthropods.
Litoria platycephala (water-holding frog) [1/3]
The water-holding frog can be found in Australia. © Jason Edwards
Litoria platycephala (water-holding frog) [2/3]
The water-holding frog is able to store lots of water in its sub-skin tissue and its urinary bladder making it look spherical.
Litoria platycephala (water-holding frog) [3/3]
During long dry periods in the summer the water-holding frog buries himself and starts to use its water storage.
Rhinella festae (Valle Santiago Beaked Toad)
The Valle Santiago Beaked Toad lives in Peru and Ecuador. This toad does not adapt well to anthropogenic disturbance. It has not been found in secondary forest, a forest which has re-grown after a major disturbance. © Jan Vandermeulen
