Corroboree frogs are some of the most immediately recognizable frogs that can be found in Australia. They are small species of poisonous frogs native to the region of Southern Tablelands. Mainly two species of Corroboree frogs exist; i.e. the Northern Corroboree frogs and Southern Corroboree frogs. The populations of this species are now critically endangered. The Corroboree Frog endangered species have been greatly reduced in numbers over the years.
Corroboree Frog
Here is a brief description of the corroboree frog.
Color
The color of the corroboree frog is its most distinct feature. Corroboree frogs can be immediately identified by their yellow and black that covers all of their bodies. There can also be black and white stripes or black and yellow stripes on their bellies. The Northern Corroboree frogs tend to have distinctly thinner stripes with yellow greenish coloration.
Description
Size
Typically the Corroboree Frog size ranges between 2.5 cm and 3 cm. The Northern Corroboree frogs are comparatively smaller than Southern Corroboree frogs.
Sexual dimorphism
The males are typically shorter in size than females.
Texture
The texture of the skin from the top of the body is rough and the underside of the body is comparatively smooth.
Toes
Corroboree frogs have got un-webbed toes; a characteristic that is quite dissimilar to other frogs.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Order: Anura
Class: Amphibia
Family: Myobatrachidae
Genus: Pseudophryne
Scientific Name:Pseudophryne corroboree
Since the population of these frogs has been declining steadily for quite some time, they now exist only in some limited parts in Australia. Most of the surviving Northern Corroboree frogs can be found along Brindabella Ranges as well as State Forests near the Fiery Range. The Southern Corroboree frogs are mostly spotted in the Kosciuszko National Park region. Currently, they are found mostly in sub-alpine locations of Australian Capital Territory along with the southern parts of New South Wales. They are also common in protected field enclosures in Australia.
The Corroboree frogs most of their time in montane forests, subalpine woodlands and tall heath close to their breeding areas. During the breeding months, they can be observed mainly wet tussock grasslands, wet heath, fens as well as seepages and pools in the sphagnum bogs. They also love water bodies having low water levels along with sufficient surface areas.
Tadpoles mostly consume algae and organic substances that are found around the pools. The adults eat anything from insect larvae and beetles to ants, mites and various other types of invertebrates.
Diet
The feeding habits change in winter months during which time they hardly eat anything or consume very less food.
Here are some common behavioral traits of the Corroboree frogs.
The Corroboree Frog sound can be characterized as a short and grating ark sound.
Certain types of fishes and birds are known to prey on Corroboree frogs. However, most of the times their populations are threatened due to the destruction of their habitat, increase in the presence of a fungus, the attacks of feral animals, ozone layer depletion resulting in excess UV radiation and extended drought cycles.
The adaptations of Corroboree frogs help them to live within their natural surroundings. Their poisonous skin is caused by secretion of certain alkaloids which can minimize their predation from threatening animals. These frogs can also store deposits of uric acid anytime they are not living in water. This helps them to easily extract water as and when they need it.
The mating season of the Corroboree frogs lasts during the period between early and late summer months which is around January and February.
Most Corroboree frogs reach sexual maturity at about 4 years of age. However, some of them also reach sexual maturity by the age of 3 years. The female lays about 35 eggs after copulation. A nest or burrow might also contain eggs laid by other females who have been fertilized by the same male.
Reproduction
The male frogs eject their sperm directly on the eggs. The tadpoles come out after they reach a certain stage of maturity. The tadpoles take about 7- 8 months to hatch. Once they hatch and go through their developmental stage, they require an increased amount of water supply.
Tadpoles stay within the protective covering of the egg coat for about 7 months. They come out only when the eggs are flooded by spring thaw or autumn rains.
Life Cycle
The juveniles gradually metamorphose into adult forms as they lay for a couple of months within moist vegetation. The adults tend to migrate back to dry heathland which they use as winter habitat.
In the wild, corroboree frogs have a life span of about 5 years.
Since the corroboree frogs are a highly endangered species, it is not possible for people to keep them as pets.
Corroboree frogs are listed under the segment of “Critically Endangered” by the IUCN. Over the years, their numbers have declined steadily due to various factors. Currently, numerous attempts are being taken to conserve them.
These are some fun facts about the Corroboree frogs.
Here are some of the pictures of Corroboree frogs.
Picture 3 – Corroboree Frog
Picture 5 – Eastern Newt Picture
Picture 7 – Corroboree Frog
References
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