Frogs
Table of Contents
Introduction
The enchanting melodies of croaks, ribbits, and trills that often grace our evenings come from the diverse world of terrestrial and semi-aquatic frogs. These amphibians are spread across a myriad of habitats: from dense rainforests, arid regions, to the edges of quiet ponds. Their presence is a testament to the incredible adaptability of life on Earth, with species that have evolved to master life both on land and at the water's edge.
Click the green buttons to learn more about these different species.
Ecological Role
Terrestrial and semi-aquatic frogs play a pivotal role in the balance of our ecosystems. As predators, they help control insect populations, ensuring that certain pests don't overrun ecosystems. Simultaneously, they are a crucial food source for a variety of animals like snakes, birds, and larger mammals. Their tadpoles often filter water bodies, consuming algae and organic detritus, thereby playing a role in aquatic nutrient cycling.
Human Impact
Our shared planet has seen the habitats of these frogs increasingly jeopardized by human activities. Deforestation, urban expansion, farming, pollution, and the spread of harmful pathogens like the chytrid fungus threaten their existence. This fungus, in particular, propagated by human actions, has been a significant menace to global frog populations.
Overall Health
Terrestrial and semi-aquatic frog populations face a spectrum of challenges, and their current status is a mix of thriving species and those on the brink of extinction. Alarmingly, a considerable number of these frogs are now listed as endangered or critically endangered, emphasizing the urgent need for focused conservation efforts.
Threats to Frogs
Chemicals & Pesticides
Food Chain Contamination
Pesticides are intended to impact insects, which is a huge problem for the frogs and other species who consider them food. Contaminated insects can slowly create toxic build up in frogs, birds, and other bug-eating species.
Skin Absorption
Some years ago, someone convinced me to allow a pest control company to spray "eco-friendly" insecticide around our home. The company convinced me that these were safe for us, our pets, and other wildlife, but only a few days later I started to find dead bodies around our garden. Some where dead lizards, but most were dead frogs. After a frantic searching, I found the names of the ingredients used by our pest control company, and found at least three of the ingredients are known to kill frogs within minutes of skin contact. This means if they touch contaminated soil, stone, or swim in water where spraying has occurred, they immediately absorb those toxic chemicals.
Australia
Australia, a continent teeming with unique wildlife, boasts a vibrant amphibian tapestry, hosting approximately 240 species of frogs. While many are familiar with the diverse array of tree frogs and the notable cane toads, a significant portion of these species consists of lesser-known ground-dwelling and aquatic frogs.
Adapted to thrive in a range of environments—from lush rainforests and grassy wetlands to the harsh arid zones—these frogs play pivotal roles in their respective ecosystems. They serve as both predator and prey, helping to maintain the balance of various food webs. Just as kangaroos and koalas are celebrated symbols of Australia's terrestrial fauna, these often-overlooked frogs are vital representatives of its rich amphibian biodiversity.
However, it's essential for Australians to recognize the challenges these frogs face. Habitat destruction, pollution, introduced species, and the deadly chytrid fungus threaten many of Australia's frog populations. The diminishing wetlands and changing climatic patterns further compound these threats, underscoring the urgency of conservation efforts.
In the sections that follow, we'll explore the specific species that roam Australia's grounds, hopping beyond the tree canopies. We'll spotlight their unique features, ecological significance, and the pressing issues they confront in today's dynamic environmental landscape.
Plains Froglet (Crinia parinsignifera)
Habitat: Grassy plains and open woodlands across southeastern Australia.
Notable Features: Small, brown or greyish body with distinct black patches.
Status: Widespread and abundant.
Ecological Importance: Plays a role in controlling insect populations; serves as a food source for other predators.
Spotted Grass Frog (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis)
Habitat: Wide range of habitats, including swamps, dams, and rivers across eastern Australia.
Notable Features: Olive-green with black spots and a distinctive striped pattern on its legs.
Status: Common.
Ecological Importance: Contributes to insect control and forms part of the food chain for various predators.
Eastern Banjo Frog (Limnodynastes dumerilii)
Habitat: Ponds, ditches, and slow-moving waters in eastern Australia.
Notable Features: Known for its "banjo-like" call; broad-bodied and mottled appearance.
Status: Common.
Ecological Importance: Acts as a predator for various aquatic insects.
Growling Grass Frog (Litoria raniformis)
Habitat: Wetlands, swamps, and ponds in southeastern Australia.
Notable Features: Large, green to brown frog with distinct dark markings.
Status: Vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss, pollution, and chytrid fungus.
Ecological Importance: Important indicator species for wetland health.
Southern Corroboree Frog (Pseudophryne corroboree)
Habitat: Sub-alpine regions of the Snowy Mountains.
Notable Features: Striking black and yellow striped appearance.
Status: Critically Endangered due to chytrid fungus.
Ecological Importance: Represents a unique lineage of the Pseudophryne genus; critical for maintaining biodiversity.
Europe
European landscapes, from the icy ponds of Scandinavia to the temperate forests of Central Europe, host an array of frog species that play essential roles in their respective ecosystems. These frogs contribute significantly to biodiversity and serve as crucial indicators of environmental health.
Here are some of the notable species:
Common Frog (Rana temporaria)
Habitat: Found across most parts of Europe, they can be spotted in forests, meadows, gardens, and marshlands.
Notable Features: They can vary in color from olive green to yellow or brown and are identifiable by a dark patch behind the eye.
Status: While widespread and generally common, they are not exempt from threats, with habitat loss being a primary concern.
Ecological Importance: An integral part of the food web, they help keep insect populations in check and serve as prey for several predators.
Moor Frog (Rana arvalis)
Habitat: Prefers wet meadows, bogs, and marshes and can be found in northern and central Europe.
Notable Features: Unique among frogs, males take on a blue hue during the breeding season.
Status: Although they are still widely distributed, populations in certain regions face decline due to wetland drainage.
Ecological Importance: Beyond controlling insect populations, they play a pivotal role in maintaining the health of wetland ecosystems and serve as a meal for various carnivorous species.
Agile Frog (Rana dalmatina)
Habitat: Found in forests, bushy areas, and sometimes gardens across southern and central Europe.
Notable Features: Slender body with long legs, giving it its agility and notable jumping capability.
Status: Faces threats in parts of its range due to deforestation and urbanization but is still relatively common in many areas.
Ecological Importance: As with other frog species, they are essential for insect control and act as a food source for larger animals.
Iberian Painted Frog (Discoglossus galganoi)
Habitat: Endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, predominantly found in Portugal and western Spain. Prefers wetlands, damp meadows, ponds, and sometimes forests with adequate moisture.
Notable Features: Smaller in size, characterized by its smooth skin which can vary from gray to olive-green, often with random dark patterns or spots.
Status: Near Threatened due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and pollution.
Ecological Importance: As insectivores, they help control insect populations. Also, as part of the food chain, they provide sustenance to larger predators in their habitats.
North America
North America, with its vast landscapes ranging from arid deserts to lush wetlands, provides diverse habitats for a multitude of frog species. From the frigid terrains of Canada to the balmy wetlands of Florida, this continent is home to a unique collection of terrestrial and semi-aquatic frogs that are as varied as the habitats they occupy.
American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)
Habitat: Widespread across North America in freshwater ponds, lakes, and marshes.
Notable Features: As the largest frog in North America, the bullfrog is known for its deep, resonant croak. Its adaptability allows it to thrive in various water bodies, and it's a dominant predator in its habitat.
Status: While populous and not endangered, they are considered invasive in areas outside their native range, where they can disrupt local ecosystems.
Chiricahua Leopard Frog (Lithobates chiricahuensis)
Habitat: Found in streams, ponds, and cienegas in the mountainous regions of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico.
Notable Features: A beautiful green frog with dark spots, it has a distinctive call that sets it apart.
Status: Listed as threatened due to habitat loss and disease.
Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog (Rana muscosa)
Habitat: Native to the alpine lakes of California's Sierra Nevada.
Notable Features: As an indicator species, its presence or absence can hint at the health of its habitat.
Status: Endangered due to habitat disruption, introduced predators, and disease.
Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans)
Habitat: Green Frogs are commonly found in a variety of wetland habitats across eastern North America, ranging from ponds and marshes to streams and brooks.
Notable Features: Somewhat similar in appearance to the bullfrog, Green Frogs can be distinguished by the presence of dorsolateral ridges that run down their backs but don't extend to the groin. Their color can vary from green to brown. Their call is often likened to the pluck of a banjo string.
Status: Green Frogs are abundant in many areas. However, like many wetland species, they face threats from habitat destruction and water pollution.
Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens)
Habitat: Distributed across parts of Canada and the United States, favoring marshes, swamps, and grasslands.
Notable Features: Recognizable by its greenish-brown color with rounded black spots, this species has long legs ideal for jumping.
Status: Although populous in many areas, they have experienced declines in some regions and are considered a species of concern in certain states.
Pickerel Frog (Lithobates palustris)
Habitat: Pickerel Frogs inhabit a variety of freshwater habitats, especially cooler, clear waters like streams, brooks, and ponds throughout the eastern U.S.
Notable Features: Distinct from other North American frogs due to their square-ish, paired dark spots on their backs and bright yellow or orange coloration on the inner thighs. They can sometimes be mistaken for the Leopard Frog but have more rectangular spots and a noticeable light-colored line on their upper lip.
Status: Though not federally listed as endangered, they face challenges from habitat loss, pollution, and other common threats to amphibians.
Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus)
Habitat: Native to the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska, extending to the northeastern U.S.
Notable Features: This frog has a unique ability to survive freezing temperatures by entering a state of suspended animation during winter.
Status: Not endangered, but vital for research due to its freeze tolerance.
South America
South America, a landmass replete with bio-diverse ecosystems, is a haven for amphibians, particularly frogs. Dominated by the sprawling Amazon rainforest, vast wetlands like the Pantanal, high-altitude habitats in the Andes, and countless other unique environments, the continent offers ideal habitats for these fascinating creatures. South America alone boasts over 1,000 distinct frog species, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of colors, sizes, behaviors, and ecological roles.
While it's challenging to detail every single species, the following list highlights a selection of South American frogs that are either particularly widespread, have unique characteristics, or are of significant conservation concern. These species exemplify the incredible variety and the vital ecological roles that frogs play, from controlling insect populations to serving as indicators of environmental health. Dive in and explore the incredible world of South American frogs.
Surinam Horned Frog (Ceratophrys cornuta)
Habitat: Found in tropical rainforests of the Amazon Basin.
Notable Features: Recognizable by its large size and distinctive horn-like projections above its eyes.
Status: Not currently considered endangered, but it faces threats from habitat destruction.
Ecological Importance: As an ambush predator, it plays a role in controlling insect and smaller vertebrate populations.
Budgett's Frog (Lepidobatrachus laevis)
Habitat: Wetlands and marshes in the Gran Chaco region, spanning Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay.
Notable Features: A broad-headed, flattened frog often humorously referred to as the "paradox frog" due to its seemingly displeased appearance.
Status: Not endangered, but populations can be locally affected by habitat alteration.
Ecological Importance: Contributes to controlling aquatic insect populations.
Pantanal Frog (Leptodactylus mystacinus)
Habitat: Commonly found in the wetlands of the Pantanal, Brazil.
Notable Features: Recognized for its distinctive song and breeding habits, forming large choruses.
Status: Not currently endangered, but vulnerable to habitat changes in the Pantanal.
Ecological Importance: Acts as a bioindicator, reflecting the health of its freshwater environment.
Giant Aquatic Frog (Telmatobius culeus)
Habitat: Endemic to Lake Titicaca, located between Peru and Bolivia.
Notable Features: The world's largest fully aquatic frog, with some individuals reaching up to half a kilogram.
Status: Critically endangered due to pollution, introduction of invasive species, and over-collection.
Ecological Importance: Plays a critical role in the ecosystem dynamics of Lake Titicaca.
Chile Mountains False Toad (Telmatobius halli)
Habitat: High-altitude Andean streams in northern Chile.
Notable Features: Despite its name, it is a frog, adapted to cold, oxygen-poor environments.
Status: Endangered due to habitat destruction and potentially climate change.
Ecological Importance: Unique adaptation provides insights into survival in extreme conditions.
Marbled Water Frog (Telmatobius marmoratus)
Habitat: Andean highlands in Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
Notable Features: Aquatic species with a marbled appearance.
Status: Vulnerable, facing threats from habitat destruction, especially water extraction for mining.
Ecological Importance: Integral to high-altitude aquatic ecosystems.
Garman's Toad-headed Frog (Crossodactylodes garmanni)
Habitat: Restricted to high-altitude regions in Brazil.
Notable Features: Despite its name, it is a frog species. Has a unique toad-like appearance.
Status: Endangered due to restricted habitat, which is threatened by human activities.
Ecological Importance: Plays a role in controlling insect populations in its montane habitats.
Uruguayan Stream Frog (Hylodes heyeri)
Habitat: Found mainly in streams of southeastern Brazil, northeastern Argentina, and throughout Uruguay.
Notable Features: Recognized by its smooth, greenish-brown skin and a distinctive call reminiscent of a bird's chirp.
Status: Vulnerable due to habitat loss caused by agriculture, logging, and human settlement.
Ecological Importance: A primary consumer of aquatic insects, aiding in the balance of stream ecosystems.
Platypelis Grandis (no common name)
Habitat: This frog thrives in lowland rainforests of northern South America.
Notable Features: Recognized for its moderately large size and nocturnal behavior.
Status: Not currently endangered, but its habitat faces destruction due to logging and agricultural expansion.
Ecological Importance: Acts as both a predator of smaller organisms and prey for larger predators, playing a dual role in the food chain.
Pipa Pipa (Surinam Toad, but it's a frog)
Habitat: Found in freshwater lakes and slow-moving rivers across the Amazon Basin.
Notable Features: Distinctive for its flattened body and unique method of reproduction where eggs embed in the female's back, and froglets emerge from her skin.
Status: Least Concern, but like many species, it is threatened by habitat degradation.
Ecological Importance: It feeds on small aquatic invertebrates, maintaining a balance in freshwater ecosystems.
Paradoxical Frog (Pseudis paradoxa)
Habitat: Widely distributed in freshwater habitats from Colombia to Argentina.
Notable Features: Tadpoles of this species are notably larger than the adult frogs.
Status: Not endangered but sensitive to changes in its environment.
Ecological Importance: Contributes to controlling populations of aquatic insects and serves as prey for larger predators.
Paradoxical Frog (Pseudis paradoxa)
Habitat: Widely distributed in freshwater habitats from Colombia to Argentina.
Notable Features: Tadpoles of this species are notably larger than the adult frogs.
Status: Not endangered but sensitive to changes in its environment.
Ecological Importance: Contributes to controlling populations of aquatic insects and serves as prey for larger predators.
Common Smooth-skinned Frog (Lithobates warszewitschii)
Habitat: Wet forests and riverbanks across parts of South America.
Notable Features: Known for its smooth skin and distinctive calls.
Status: Not currently listed as endangered but faces habitat disturbances in some regions.
Ecological Importance: Part of the larger ecosystem and feeds on various insects, controlling their populations.
Chirping Frog (Eleutherodactylus)
Habitat: Various habitats including forests, grasslands, and human-altered environments.
Notable Features: A genus of direct-developing frogs, meaning they don’t have a tadpole stage.
Status: The status varies by species, but many are not endangered. Some face threats from habitat loss.
Ecological Importance: Contribute significantly to insect control in their habitats.
Dwarf Aquatic Frog (Physalaemus)
Habitat: Found in several South American countries in ponds, swamps, and other stagnant waters.
Notable Features: Typically small in size and known for their diverse calls.
Status: Their status varies by specific species, but many face threats from water pollution and habitat disturbances.
Ecological Importance: Play a role in controlling aquatic insect populations.
Southern Foam-nest Frog (Leptodactylus latrans)
Habitat: Savannas, grasslands, and urban areas.
Notable Features: Known for creating foam nests for their eggs at the edges of ponds and puddles.
Status: Not currently listed as endangered, but urban expansion poses challenges.
Ecological Importance: Their foam nests are unique breeding habitats, and they play a role in controlling insect populations in their habitats.
Edible Frog (Leptodactylus pentadactylus)
Habitat: Distributed widely in the Amazon rainforest.
Notable Features: Large-sized frogs that are sometimes consumed by local populations.
Status: Not currently listed as endangered, but habitat destruction poses threats.
Ecological Importance: As a larger species, they play a role both as predators of smaller organisms and as prey for larger animals.
Smoky Jungle Frog (Leptodactylus pentadactylus)
Habitat: Widespread in tropical rainforests of the Amazon Basin.
Notable Features: Among the largest of South American frogs, it's known for its distinctive loud call.
Status: Not currently considered endangered, but sensitive to habitat changes.
Ecological Importance: As a predator, it plays a role in controlling insect and smaller vertebrate populations.
Rubber Frog (Leptodactylus labyrinthicus)
Habitat: Grassy wetlands and marshy areas of the Pantanal and Chaco.
Notable Features: Known for its unique skin pattern resembling that of a maze.
Status: Not currently listed as endangered, but habitat loss can pose a threat.
Ecological Importance: Contributes to insect control in its wetland habitats.
Olive Tree Frog (Scinax elaeochrous)
Habitat: Forested areas, typically near streams and ponds.
Notable Features: A small green frog with smooth skin and a loud, distinctive call.
Status: Not currently listed as endangered.
Ecological Importance: Helps in insect control and serves as prey for various predators.
Harlequin Frog (Atelopus)
Habitat: Typically found in streams of high-altitude regions of the Andes.
Notable Features: Recognizable by their bright and varied colorations.
Status: Many species within this genus are critically endangered, primarily due to chytridiomycosis, a fungal disease.
Ecological Importance: Acts as bioindicators due to their sensitivity to environmental changes.
Pepper Treefrog (Trachycephalus venulosus)
Habitat: Widely distributed across the Amazon Basin, inhabiting both forests and grasslands.
Notable Features: Known for its bumpy, granular skin and a variety of colorations.
Status: Not currently considered endangered.
Ecological Importance: Plays a role in controlling insect populations and contributes to the diet of many predators.
Ways to Support Frogs
There are many ways to help frogs both directly and indirectly. Sometimes actions that help other species (for example creating a pollinator garden to boost )
Avoid Pesticides
Use Non-Lethal Pest Control
Lethal pest control reduces the amount of food for wildlife and can accidentally harm innocent animals we didn't intend to harm, but science shows multiple benefits to non-lethal methods. After pesticides or other lethal methods have been used for a long time, local predators can go extinct, while the target species may learn or evolve to no longer be impacted by the lethal methods. This can create situations where farmers and gardeners no longer have natural allies like frogs to eat problem bugs, AND the pesticides no longer work. By focusing instead on boosting frog populations, we can help avoid these dangerous imbalances.
Preserve & Create Habitat
Wild spaces are vital for frogs and their food, but is rapidly shrinking and suffering from fragmentation. If you live in a place that has suffered from degradation or loss, then gardening can help restore vital resources for frogs and other species.
Avoid & Remove Invasive Species
Invasive animals can hunt down or even replace native species, however even non-native plants can drive out native species. Invasive plants can quickly take over a space, and might look pretty to humans, but don't provide adequate food or other resources for local wildlife.
Grow Native Plants
Native plants can provide vital resources including food, shelter, and nesting resources for species that frogs need as food sources.
In addition these plants can provide hiding and nesting spaces for the frogs themselves.
Water Sources
Dew Ponds
These are artificial water sources created on hills, to provide water to livestock and wildlife. They can continue to provide water even during droughts, without being artificially refilled, and can last for thousands of years with little to no maintenance.
Ponds & Lakes
Tools & Apps
Africa
Namibia
Atlas of Amphibians 🐸 ✏️ "A new initiative to compile basic distribution data for Namibia's frogs and toads."
Europe
UK
Northern Ireland
CEDaR (Center for Environmental Data and Recording) Online Recording 🐸 ✏️ Click the link to see what projects are available. They have specific links for Owls, Butterflies, Marine, Invasive Species, Lady Birds and more! Some of the links will take you to projects for specific regions including the Ring of Gullion and Belfast Hills.
Oceana
Australia
FrogID 🐸 ✏️ "Take part in Australia’s biggest frog count! Our frogs are under threat from habitat loss, disease and climate change. Record frog calls with the FrogID app for our scientists to listen and identify and help provide valuable data for the protection and conservation of frogs.
Download the free app and register now. Remember, every call counts!"Frog ID: Explore Frog Profiles 🐸🔍"Over 240 species of frog are known from Australia. Explore our frog profiles to discover all kinds of facts about frogs."
NSW
Frog Find 🐸 ✏️ "Help us find threatened frogs in NSW National Parks. Understanding where they live helps us improve their chance of survival in the future."