With around 7,000 species worldwide, amphibians are one of the most common classes of vertebrates, alongside reptiles, birds, and mammals. There are ancient amphibians that can only breathe underwater while others can switch their breathing from lungs to skin, similar to many internal parasites.

Frogs are perhaps the most adaptable of all vertebrates, spanning the entire climatic range from tropical islands to Greenland. In this blog, we will focus on the diversity of frogs within specific climatic zones. Most species’ distribution ranges are uneven, impressive in size and diversity, and worth a closer look.

Iconic North American Frogs

 

American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)

As the largest species of frogs in America, the American Bullfrog has a distinctive stocky build, stout limbs, and a powerful deep voice that reverberates above ponds and other water bodies. These frogs thrive in freshwater environments such as ponds, small lakes, lagoons, wetlands, and slow rivers.

Habitat: Freshwater ponds, lakes, and marshes.

Key Facts: The American Bullfrog is an opportunistic predator preying on insects, small mammals, and other bullfrogs. It has become a nuisance in many regions, driving native amphibians to extinction and disturbing local ecology.

Vibrant and Toxic Frogs

Golden Poison Frog (Phyllobates terribilis)

With its rich yellow skin, the Golden Poison Frog is one of the deadliest animals on the planet. Indigenous tribes used its poison to coat darts for hunting.

Habitat: Rainforests of Colombia.

Key Facts: The frog’s toxicity comes from the ants it consumes. These frogs can serve as bioindicators, reflecting the health of their ecosystems, including pollutant levels in water and soil.

Green and Black Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates auratus)

This frog’s green and black coloration warns predators of its poisonous nature. It is widely found in Central and South American rainforests.

Habitat: Central and South American rainforests.

Key Facts: Although poisonous, its venom is not as strong as that of the Golden Poison Frog. The bright colors serve as a warning to potential predators.

Mimic Poison Frog (Ranitomeya imitator)

Found in the Amazon rainforest of Peru, this species practices Batesian mimicry, imitating more harmful frogs to avoid predation.

Habitat: Amazon rainforest of Peru.

Key Facts: Despite its bright colors, the Mimic Poison Frog is not highly toxic. It mimics other toxic species to enhance its survival.

Tree Frogs from Around the Globe

Australian Green Tree Frog (Litoria caerulea)

This bright green tree frog is found in Australia and New Guinea and is popular as a pet.

Habitat: Australia and New Guinea.

Key Facts: Known for its “smiling” appearance, this frog thrives in various ecosystems, including woodlands, swamps, and urban areas.

Mission Golden-eyed Tree Frog

Endemic to the Amazon Basin, this frog is known for its golden-yellow eyes and arboreal lifestyle.

Habitat: Amazon Basin in South America.

Key Facts: Produces toxic substances to protect itself from predators. Its large eyes provide excellent night vision.

Tyler’s Tree Frog (Litoria tyleri)

Found in Australia, this medium-sized greenish frog has warty skin and can adapt to both urban and natural environments.

Habitat: Coastal forests and wetlands.

Key Facts: Known for its loud call during the rainy season, it is hardy and can survive in human-modified areas.

Wallace’s Flying Frog (Rhacophorus nigropalmatus)

This frog can glide from tree to tree in the rainforests of Southeast Asia.

Habitat: Rainforests of Southeast Asia.

Key Facts: Named after naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, it has adaptations for gliding and spending most of its life in trees.

Unique and Rare Frogs

Purple Frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis)

This subterranean frog is found in the Western Ghats of India and is active only for a few days each year.

Habitat: Western Ghats of India.

Key Facts: Recognized in 2003, this species has existed for over 120 million years. It has a unique oval shape and a pig-like snout.

Desert Rain Frog (Breviceps macrops)

Found in the arid coastal regions of Namibia and South Africa, this frog is known for its high-pitched whining sounds.

Habitat: Arid coastal regions of Namibia and South Africa.

Key Facts: Has a transparent belly, allowing visibility of internal organs. It survives dry spells by burrowing into moist sand.

Long-nosed Horned Frog (Megophrys nasuta)

This frog from Southeast Asian rainforests can camouflage itself as a leaf.

Habitat: Southeast Asian rainforests.

Key Facts: Its long snout helps it blend into leaf litter, making it nearly invisible to predators.

Vietnamese Mossy Frog (Theloderma corticale)

This frog resembles a mass of moss and is found in northern Vietnam.

Habitat: Northern Vietnam.

Key Facts: Its camouflage helps it avoid predators. When threatened, it rolls into a ball to resemble a bunch of moss or lichen.

Frogs with Unmatched Habitats and Proficiencies

Smoky Jungle Frog (Leptodactylus pentadactylus)

This large frog is found in the rainforests of South America and emits a high-pitched scream when threatened.

Habitat: South American rainforests.

Key Facts: Has poison secretions in its skin to deter predators.

Water-holding Frog (Cyclorana platycephala)

This frog is found in the dry regions of Australia and can burrow and go dormant during droughts.

Habitat: Deserts of Australia.

Key Facts: Can remain dormant for years, emerging only during heavy rains. Used by Aborigines as a water source during droughts.

Copper-backed Brood Frog (Pseudophryne raveni)

This frog carries its eggs on its back for the male to protect.

Habitat: Eastern Australia.

Key Facts: Males ensure the eggs are placed in safe, moist areas. Its copper-colored back provides excellent camouflage.

New Holland Frog (Cyclorana novaehollandiae)

Adapted to drought, this frog is found in the inland regions of Australia.

Habitat: Australian inland regions.

Key Facts: Digs itself into the ground to escape the heat, waiting for storms to return.

Dahl’s Aquatic Frog (Litoria dahlii)

This frog is found in the northern territories of Australia and can tolerate both wet and dry conditions.

Habitat: Northern Australia.

Key Facts: Excellent swimmers, commonly found in temporary pools and wetlands.

Burrowing and Ground Frogs

Ornate Burrowing Frog (Platyplectrum ornatum)

Known for its fiery markings and burrowing habits, this frog is found in Australian grasslands and forests.

Habitat: Australian grasslands and forests.

Key Facts: Skilled burrowers, they can quickly disappear into the soil when threatened.

Tusked Frog (Adelotus brevis)

Found in eastern Australia, males have tusks used for fighting during the breeding season.

Habitat: Eastern Australia.

Key Facts: The tusks are used during breeding season fights. These frogs inhabit slow streams and wetlands.

Coastal and Wetland Frogs

Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea)

Once abundant across Australia, this species is now declining due to habitat destruction and climate change.

Habitat: Wetlands of Australia.

Key Facts: Sensitive to chytridiomycosis, a fungal disease causing global amphibian declines. Conservation efforts are underway.

Northern Barred Frog (Mixophyes schevilli)

This large leggy frog is found in the rainforests of northern Australia.

Habitat: Rainforests of northern Australia.

Key Facts: Commonly found near rivers and streams. They are formidable predators in their ecosystem.

Eastern Sign-bearing Froglet (Crinia parinsignifera)

This small frog is found in eastern Australia and is known for its unique calls.

Habitat: Eastern Australia.

Key Facts: Highly adaptable, surviving in various environments, including forests and cities.

Endangered and Lesser-known Species

Ranoidea myola

This critically endangered tree frog is endemic to one region of Australia.

Habitat: Wet tropics of Queensland, Australia.

Key Facts: Small population, highly sensitive to habitat changes. Conservation strategies focus on habitat preservation and reducing global warming impacts.

Common Mist Frog (Litoria rheocola)

This species is declining due to disease and climate changes.

Habitat: Tropical streams and rivers of Australia.

Key Facts: Used for ecosystem monitoring, highly responsive to contamination and climate changes. Conservation programs aim to manage disease outbreaks and restore habitats.

Bridled Frog (Litoria nigrofrenata)

Named for the ‘bridle’ stripe on its face, this frog is common in northern Australia.

Habitat: Northern Australia.

Key Facts: Robust and adaptable, it thrives in various habitats, making it valuable for research on amphibian adaptability.

Conclusion

Frogs are a diverse group of amphibians facing numerous threats, including habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution. They serve as bioindicators, reflecting the health of their ecosystems. Effective conservation measures are essential to preserve these fascinating creatures and their habitats.

Public awareness and education are crucial in this effort. By observing the unique adaptations and behaviors of frogs, we can appreciate their importance and join hands in conserving these remarkable amphibians.