Frogs are popular for their bulging eyes, slimy skin, hopping ability, and croaking sounds. With more than 6,000 different species, frogs are found in almost every part of the world (except Antarctica).
These species have different sizes and colors. Besides, they have different habitats and mating habits.
Being amphibians, frogs are cold-blooded vertebrates. They have backbones but they lack scales. Frogs are capable of living in water and on the land. Here are common types:
Tree frog (Hylidae)
Tree frogs are also referred to as tree toads. This species belongs to one of the different families of order Anura. Most precisely, tree frogs belong to the family Hylidae. These frogs have slender bodies.
They are small with just 4 inches in length. The legs are long and possess large adhesive disks on their fingertips. This helps them while climbing on the trees.
Tree frogs have small jewel-like eyes. Shiny skin is available in a variety of colors. The metallic sheen is the most common color found in tree frogs.
During the breeding season, the females choose water for laying their eggs. There are a few species, which also lay their eggs on the vegetation close to water.
Some of the hylids aren’t good climbers. Hence, they live in burrows on the land or spend most of their time in the water.
The red-eyed tree frogs are native to the tropical lowlands of South America and Mexico. These species possess some incredible ways to adapt. The bulging red eyes are unique but these frogs are also known for their neon-green color.
Glass frog (Centrolenidae)
As the name suggests, glass frogs have translucent bodies. You can even see the heart beating and blood moving through the arteries. The translucency helps these frogs to camouflage.
This frog amazingly blends in with the surroundings. Hence, glass frogs have a better chance to escape a predator. The process of blending in with the darkness or brightness of the background is known as diffusion.
It softens the line that separates the body color of the skin and blends it with the background. However, a few species of glass frog possess this feature. Other species don’t have translucent bodies.
When viewed from a distance, they appear to be light green. The color pattern may also differ including uniform green, green with yellow or white spots, or some other combinations.
The tips of the claws are long, which help glass frogs to climb trees and shrubs. Hence, this frog lives on the trees and small bushes located at the banks of forest streams.
Talking about the size, most of the glass frogs are small. An adult glass frog can be 3 to 7 cm long.
Just like other frog species, mating starts with the making of a call by the male. After depositing her eggs, the female departs. The male takes care of the eggs and waits for them to hatch.
Poison frog (family Dendrobatidae)
Also known as poison dart frogs, these species are among the deadliest amphibians on our earth. These frogs secrete extremely dangerous poison.
Poison frogs are mostly located in the forests of Nicaragua, Brazil, and Peru. South American tribes use some species of these frogs to poison their darts or arrows. These frogs live in the tropical forests of South and Central America.
Usually, the frogs of order Anura do secrete poisonous fluids. Nevertheless, these secretions aren’t harmful to humans. On the contrary, brightly colored poison frogs are extremely dangerous.
The secretions of these frogs can be lethal if enters the bloodstream through a cut or wound. The poison dart frogs are so toxic that simply rubbing a dart or arrow at its back can receive sufficient poison.
Native tribes of South America use to hunt down a bird or monkey with these poisonous darts. This is uncertain as to when these frogs adapted this type of deterrence against predators.
This might relate to the consumption of beetles in some species. This has been observed that these frogs don’t secret lethal poison when kept in captivity and offered food other than beetles.
All types of poison frogs offer parental care to young frogs. The male frogs mainly perform this task. The female lays eggs and leaves.
After that, the male guards the eggs until tadpoles hatch. The tadpoles crawl or swim on the back of the parent frog. After a couple of days, the tadpoles are taken to a safer water body or stream to complete their metamorphosis.
Tailed frog (Ascaphus truei)
Tailed frogs belong to the family Ascaphidae and order Anura. This frog is found in the cold and clear streams. These frogs are native to the Pacific Northwest areas of Canada and America.
A small visible tail-like structure is the extended cloaca. It is the internal chamber, which receives reproductive products and waste materials.
The mountain streams have a strong current, which is capable of taking away the sperms released by a male frog. This extension helps the male frog to transfer sperms into the cloaca of a female.
Usually, the breeding takes place during fall. The female can store the sperm until the coming summer. It is the most feasible time for the female to lay eggs.
Since the eggs stay in cold water, it takes at least two months for the eggs to hatch. Surprisingly, the tadpole stage can last for three years. The adult-tailed frog can attain the age of sexual maturity at the age of seven years.
Clawed frog (genus Xenopus)
The family of clawed frogs consists of over 15 species. These frogs lack tongue and have black-colored small claws on the hind limbs.
This species usually have a less vibrant or dull color. Besides, their bodies appear to be flat. While feeding, these frogs stay under the stagnant or slow-moving water.
It spreads the forelimbs and waits for the prey to come within its range. Since they don’t have a tongue, it is not possible for them to hunt prey from a distance.
Therefore, these frogs have to wait for the food to come closer to their mouth. In addition, they also use a powerful thrust created by their hind limbs. Clawed frogs are among the primitive species.
The female lays eggs on the submerged vegetation. The males don’t guard the eggs, as they continue to survive on their own.
Amazon Milk Frog (Trachycephalus resinifictrix)
The Amazon milk frog appears to be the most beautiful and unique species of frog. The young frogs can easily be spotted as they have colors that are more vibrant.
With the passage of time, the colors slightly fade away. The granular texture of skin completely covers the upper part of a frog. The pattern and color combination helps this type of frog to camouflage.
These frogs are native to the Amazon rainforest located in the northern part of South America. The toe pads of this frog are also adapted to the slippery habitat.
The genus name of this species is the long snout. However, it is usually known as the “milk frog”. The name milk frog comes from the milky white spot on the body of this frog.
In fact, these white granular areas contain poisonous glands. These glands secrete poison when the milk frog feels stress.
Goliath Frog (Conraua goliath)
This species of frog is known to be the largest species on the earth. The length of a goliath frog ranges between 6.5 to 12.5 inches. Besides, the weight stands between 1 to 7 pounds.
The offspring or tadpoles are of similar size as ordinary offspring. However, it grows to a reasonably large size within three months. Although these frogs are big, they don’t have vocal sacs.
On the contrary, Goliath frogs make a whistling sound to attract the mate. The females are usually smaller than the males. This feature is rare among other species of frogs.
The tadpoles of goliath frogs are herbivorous. Moreover, they only feed on Dicraeia warmingii, which is an aquatic plant. These plants are normally found near rapid flowing water such as river streams and waterfalls.
In addition, the diet of adult goliath frogs includes worms, insects, and spiders. On average, a it has a lifespan of 15 years when out there in the wild.
However, they have been recorded to live up to 21 years in captivity. Goliath frogs have been declared as endangered species.
The common predators of this species include Nile crocodiles, snakes, Nile monitors, and humans. These frogs are found in the tropical forests located in Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea.
Mimic Poison Frog (Ranitomeya imitator)
This species was discovered in the 1980s and is now split into further subspecies. Each subspecies have different color and behavioral patterns.
Scientists have extensively researched the morphs, behavior, and acoustics of the mimic poison frogs. This species of frog comes in different colors as well as patterns.
The Mimic Poison frogs have evolved via phenomena or a process named mimetic radiation. These frogs belong to other species of poisonous frogs.
The contact among various types of poisonous frogs has led to the evolution of a generation with unique color and design patterns. This also offers some reproductive advantages.
Mimic poison frogs and their related species offer parental care to their eggs. The female lays feeder eggs, which the tadpoles eat after they hatch. The sexual partners of this species show monogamous behavior.
Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens)
This type of frog species was once in abundance. However, due to its large-scale consumption for dissection and food purposes, this species is facing a massive decline in its population.
This decline was first noticed in the early 1970s, especially in western America and Canada. This significantly reduced the overall numbers of this species.
The most probable causes of such reduction include deforestation, water acidity, and pollution. The name of this frog relates to the dark spots on its body.
These frogs have a greenish-brown color on their upper side. The lower side is pearly white. These frogs are referred to as medium-sized species.
The length of the Northern leopard frog can reach up to 5 inches. As in the case of other species, the females are slightly bigger. These frogs are inhabitants of northern parts of North America.
They like to live in areas closer to marshes and ponds. However, they may also enter into the grasslands as well. This is the reason why they are sometimes known as meadow frogs. Found in grasslands and marshes of North America, especially in Northern areas.
This frog species can eat almost anything. They wait for their prey to come closer. Once in range, they use their powerful tongue to catch the prey.
The most common preys include flies, ants, beetles, worms, small frogs, and garter snakes.
Desert Rain Frog (Breviceps macrops)
This particular species of frog are native to Namibia and South Africa. It is found near the sandy shores along the beach. These frogs are active during the night.
They spend the whole day while sitting in their burrows. Just like other amphibians, desert rain frog also requires water for their survival.
However, they meet their water needs by staying within moistened sand. Due to its small size and adorable appearance, it is among the cutest frog species.
Besides, smooth warts are also present at the upper side of the frog. The main colors in its skin are brown and yellow. They usually carry a layer of sand on their skin, which makes them look slightly light-colored.
This particular appearance helps these frogs to camouflage in their habitat and avoid predators. The feet are fleshy and smooth. Their feet also have thick webbing, which gives them a paddle-like appearance.
The average lifespan of a desert rain frog is 15 years. It has a transparent frame at the ventral area, which makes its internal organs visible.
The desert rain frog is listed among the endangered species. Due to habitat loss, the desert rain frog is declining at a rapid pace. The greatest threat to the survival of this frog species is from humans.
Tomato Frog (Dyscophus antongilii)
Due to its vivid red color, this frog is referred to as a tomato frog. The females are large and have a bright red color. This frog is native to tropical rainforests that are located in the northeastern areas of Madagascar i.e. Antongil Bay.
The coloration serves as a warning for both male and female frogs. When a tomato frog feels threatened, it inflates its body and secrets white gluey fluid. This toxic substance numbs the mouth and eyes of a predator.
The tomato frog can live for 6 to 8 years. The color of adult frogs may vary from deep red to yellowish-orange. This species can reach sexual maturity within 9 to 14 months of their birth.
Males are smaller than females. Usually, females can be as long as 4 inches. The bellies of these frogs are yellowish. Males have relatively dull colors.
These frogs are listed as endangered species. Tomato frogs are nocturnal, which means they are mostly active during the night.
The female can lay eggs almost every month (except November). When it comes to the diet of tomato frogs, they like to feast on small invertebrates and insects.
Green-eyed Tree Frog: is usually found in rain forests (moss-covered) of Australia and Queensland. Image:
Panamanian Golden Frog: In most cases, the golden frog is found near the mountain streams located in the eastern parts of Tabasara Mountain (Panama province). Photo:
Protecting from Predators
There is a wide range of predators who like to eat frogs. These include herons, bats, fish, turtles, snakes, raccoons. Apart from this, humans are causing more harm. We not only eat frogs but also leave them to die by destroying their habitat.
To protect themselves from predators, frogs use a variety of strategies. A few of them have poison glands. The toxic secretion prevents the predators from swallowing the frogs.
There are some species, which change their color in order to seek protection against predators. This is a common tactic known as camouflage. The strategy works by blending in with the surroundings.
Besides, numerous species of frogs have vivid body colors. This serves as a warning sign for the enemies. For instance, the poison dart frogs have brightly colored bodies.
Furthermore, the Malaysian Leapfrog exhibits shocking colors to confuse the predators. The tree frog possesses extraordinary skills when it comes to blending in with the surroundings.
In addition, the bulging eyes of the frogs also help them to watch for the upcoming predators. In fact, frogs can simultaneously see in all directions without moving their heads. This helps them to avoid attacks by predators.
Some frog species inflate their bodies and puff themselves up. This increases their size to confuse the predator. Tomato frog takes advantage of this strategy.
The Leopard frog pretends to be dead. This frog can keep still by holding its breath. Some frogs would even urinate to give a bad taste to the predator and jump away.
Frogs are among the most diversified amphibians. In fact, they leave behind the other two amphibian groups including caecilians and salamanders.
Classification of Frogs
Given below is the classification of frogs:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
History of Frogs
Frogs are amongst the most historic and ancient vertebrates. The term “frog” comes from Northern Europe and England where this amphibian was in abundance.
A fossil of frog-like animals has been discovered, which suggests that frogs were there nearly 240 million years ago. This particular amphibian is known as Triadobatrachus.
However, true frogs evolved from the amphibians that belong to Jurassic times, nearly 208-146 million years ago. The skeletal of such frogs only have slight differences when compared to modern-day frogs.
Physical Features of Frogs
The term “amphibian” relates to a Greek meaning “both lives.” Frogs are amphibians, as they also live two lives. They start their life by living in the water as a tadpole. The second life is when they live as a frog on the land.
There are 54 families of frogs. These families contain over 300 genera. There are about 6,481 species of frogs that have been discovered.
Usually, frogs have a common feature that is their protruding eyes. Expect one species, frogs lack a tail. They have powerful hind limbs with webbed feet. These feet help during swimming and leaping.
Most of the frogs have shiny, moist, and slimy skin. A wide range of frog species is aquatic, yet a few also spend their whole life outside water.
A variety of frogs possesses poisonous glands. These are available on the skin and release highly toxic poisons. This helps these frogs to prevent the attacks of snakes and birds.
On the other hand, the edible species have mastered the art of camouflage. They can easily blend in with the background. However, there are some other species, which are capable of changing color.
Each of the front legs of a frog contains four toes. On the other hand, each of the back legs contains five toes. Aquatic frogs have long webbed hind limbs. This helps them to swim and leap forward when hunting prey.
The legs of a frog living on the land are shorter, which assists them to climb or even walk. The toe pads of tree frogs are large. This allows them to ensure a firm grip.
The toe pads act like suction cups, which provide grip at slippery areas. Furthermore, the tree frog of Costa Rica can hop from one tree branch to another with help of its feet.
The Spadefoot toads also have hard claws located on their hind limbs. These spade-like structures assist these frogs to dig burrows and hydrate their skin when living in a dry habitat.
Life cycle infographic:
Largest and Smallest Frogs
There is a wide range of frog species out there. Hence, it isn’t possible to describe the size and appearance of all these species. Here, we will try to include the specification of the largest and smallest frog species.
The Goliath frog is the largest frog, which can be 30 centimeters (12.5 inches) long. Their weight can reach up to 3 kg (7 lbs.). Previously, the devil frog held this title. It was 41 cm (16 inches) long.
Devil Frog weighed 4.5 kg (10 lbs.). This species was native to Madagascar but is now extinct. This is why Goliath frogs have gained the title of the largest frogs on earth.
On the contrary, the golden frog holds the title of the smallest frog. This frog is so tiny that it is just 1.4 to 1.9 inches long. It weighs only 200 grams (7 ounces). The female is slightly bigger (1.8 to 2.5 inches long).
Habitat
Generally, frogs are found near water bodies like streams, lakes, ponds. This is so, as they need water to reproduce. Otherwise, frogs can adapt to any environment or habitat.
Being social animals, frogs prefer to live in groups. These groups have different names i.e. army, knot, or colony. The tadpoles also live together and swim together in schools.
When the mating season starts, male frogs make their group and start to make loud calls referred to as croaks. Normally, frogs croak to attract females for mating.
What do Frogs Eat?
Surprisingly, frogs can eat almost everything that they can swallow. Hence, they aren’t picky eaters at all. However, their most preferred diet includes worms, spiders, larvae, bugs, slugs, and small fish.
Frogs use their sticky tongues to catch prey. They will target prey, make an aim, and through their tongue towards it. The prey sticks to their tongue.
Since the tongue also folds back, there is no chance for the prey to escape. Besides, toads and frogs help to maintain a healthy population of insects and bugs.
Breeding
The process of breeding starts with the making of certain calls by the male frogs. Male frogs do this to attract females. It is up to the female that which call she likes the most.
After the female comes closer, the male frog grabs her. At this time, the female releases her eggs. This mating hug is known as amplexus. Usually, all types of frog eggs are fertilized outside the body of a female.
The mating process can last for hours or even days. There are some species, which continue to mate for a month i.e. Andean toad. The female can lay up to 50,000 eggs. The number of eggs depends on the female species.
The males of some species will guard the eggs until they hatch. They usually carry the eggs in a pouch in their belly. These eggs are kept in a safe location until they hatch.
Normally males perform this task. However, some female species also take care of the eggs. A few species also perform specific breeding rituals.
For instance, the marsupial frog usually ensures the safety of the eggs by placing them in a pouch, just like a kangaroo does. In addition, the females of South America Suriname toad embed the eggs into their skin.
Furthermore, the Australian gastric-brooding frog swallows the fertilized eggs and releases them once they hatch.
The eggs start to hatch after two to three weeks. This largely depends on the species of frogs. After hatching, the tadpoles will live in water just like a fish.
Within a couple of months, the tadpoles will gradually transform into small frogs. This process may take more time in some species. For instance, the tadpoles of Yellow-legged frogs take six months for their transformation.
Offspring
Different species of frogs can become mature at different ages. Usually, it takes 2 months to 3 years for a frog to attain the age of maturity.
The maturity of a frog depends on the surrounding temperature and species of a frog. After maturity, a female can lay up to 50,000 eggs at a given time.
The eggs will stay underwater for up to 23 days. During this phase, the male frog usually protects these eggs. After hatching, a small fish-like organism comes out of the egg. This is called tadpole.
After that, the process of metamorphosis starts. During this process, the tadpole slowly converts into a small frog. After that, the frog will leave the water and continue to grow.
What is a Vocal Sack?
The term vocal sac is related to the throat pouch of a male frog. It is a sound-resonating skin, which is present in male toads and frogs. It consists of two small pockets on both sides of the lower mouth.
There are three types of vocal sacs in a male frog. These include:
- A single median throat sac
- Paired throat sacs
- Paired lateral sacs
However, all these types of vocal sacs connect to the buccal cavity through paired slits. These slits are present on each side of the tongue.
When a frog makes a certain call, it inflates the single our double sacs depending on the availability of sac. The sacs take air from the lungs. Once inflated, the frogs can make a couple of sounds before the sac deflates completely.
The sound comes from the vibration of the vocal cord, which is amplified through the vocal sacs. In fact, these sacs work as a drum, which is capable of amplifying the sound.
In addition to making calls, vocal sacks have some other purposes too. For instance, by inflating the vocal sac, a male frog can easily attract a female.
On the other hand, male frog of Darwin species swallows the tadpoles immediately when they hatch. These tadpoles are kept in the vocal sac for almost 60 days.
Once the process of metamorphosis completes, the male frog expels tiny frogs out of its vocal sac.
How to Distinguish a Male Frog from the Female?
Depending on the species, male frogs are slightly different from females. However, judging the sex of a frog by merely looking at it is quite hard for a layman.
This is so, as the sex organs are present inside their bodies. However, the female frog is usually bigger than a male. In other instances, the toe pads of a male are slightly bigger. This helps to grab a female during mating.
Besides, you can differentiate males from females due to their “Alarm call”. This call is made to protect the territory from intruders. Males also make specific noises to attract a female.
The males of Bullfrogs have large tympanum or internal ears. In addition, males of some other species of frogs have more vivid and brighter colors.
Is there any Difference between Frogs and Toads?
Frogs and toads belong to a similar order “Anura”. However, toads have slightly different features than we normally see in a frog. Usually, toads tend to have bumpier and drier skin.
Besides, they prefer relatively drier habitats. Apart from this, toads normally possess round bodies and their hind limbs are shorter.
This type of species also contains poison glands located in different areas of their skin. It helps them to defend themselves against predators.
However, things are not that simple when we are going to differentiate between toads and frogs. This is so, as some frogs are referred to as toads, yet they aren’t.
There are a few frog species with bumpy skin, while some toads have relatively smoother skin. Besides, there are Horny toads. This species isn’t either toad or frog, it is a reptile.
At times, it might be difficult to distinguish between toads and frogs. At a closer look, we can find some traits that are present in one species and absent in the other.
For instance, Toads lack teeth but frogs do have teeth at the front part of their jaws. In toads, both sexes contain a rudimentary ovary, which is known as the bidder’s organ. In addition, toads are generally shorter than frogs.
Some Interesting Facts
Frogs Do Breathe while Hibernating
When hibernating, frogs do breathe. However, the rate of respiration is relatively low. They usually hibernate under mud or water. In this situation, these frogs breathe through their skin.
For this purpose, they drive oxygen present in the water. In addition, there are some frog species, which are capable of stopping breathing and even their heart.
The reason for their survival is the presence of high glucose levels in their blood. This tends to create an anti-freezing impact. Hence, the vital organs stay protected and start working normally once the weather warms.
Frogs Don’t have Visible Ears Yet they Hear
It’s true, frogs lack external ears. Nevertheless, they possess eardrums as well as an ear on the inside. This kind of ear is referred to as tympanum. With close monitoring, you will see a small circle near each eye.
The eardrum works similarly to our eardrum, but it has a small difference. The eardrum of a frog is connected to the lungs. The vibration of the lungs assists the eardrum to perform its function properly.
Frogs don’t Drink Water
Frogs hydrate their body by absorbing water through their skin. Their skin has an area named a “drinking patch”. This patch is present on their belly.
Frogs Swallow with their Eyeballs
It sounds unbelievable, yet frogs swallow their food with the help of eyeballs. Frogs have small teeth at the front part of their jaw. These teeth are not for chewing. Hence, frogs swallow their prey whole.
To assist with this, the eyeballs of a frog come down into the oral cavity to push the prey into the throat. This is why frogs blink their eyes constantly when swallowing prey.
Frogs can Change their Color
There are numerous frog species, which are capable of changing their color. Frogs usually do this in order to camouflage. In addition, they also change their color to maintain the temperature of their body.
Frogs have pigment cells known as “Chromatophores”. These cells change their color, which in turn give a new shade to the frog’s skin.
Frogs are Slimy
The skin of frogs is slimy, which is due to the presence of mucous. This type of coating is essential to keep their skin hydrated. As a result, frogs can easily breathe through their skin.
Sometimes, the mucous also contain antibacterial or antifungal chemicals. These help to protect frogs against any kind of skin disease.
However, certain species of frogs also have a wax coating. It helps them to retain their skin’s moisture for longer. This strategy works in the area where temperatures are usually high.
Frogs Eat their Skin
Frogs regularly shed their skin and eat it. The reason behind eating their skin is to utilize the available protein and other nutrients.
Frog have Bulky Eyes
The eyes of a frog bulge out of their head. These eyes are large and bulky, which helps them to see behind and around them. They can do this without turning their head around.
These eyes are located at the distance from each other to offer a 360-degree view. This allows them to locate any prey or predator within close vicinity.
Frog Sheds its Skin every Week
Most species of frogs can shed their skin once a week. The new skin is shiny and helps frogs to maintain their moisture and control body temperature.
Frogs can be as heavy as 7 pounds
The Goliath frog is the biggest known frog. This species is native to West Africa. It measures nearly 12 inches in length. Besides, it can weigh up to 7 pounds.
Frogs can See Underwater
The eyes of a frog contain an additional eyelid. It helps to cover the eyes of a frog when it is swimming underwater. This particular eyelid is referred to as “Nictitating Membrane”. It also works well when it comes to keeping the eyes moist.
How Frogs Communicate?
Toads and frogs make different sounds when communicating with each other. They make a specific sound for each independent situation. “Alarm calls” are the most common of all sounds.
Besides, they also make sounds to show their presence. This is usually done to guard their territories by challenging the other frogs.
Besides, frogs also make loud noises by inflating their vocal sacs. This helps them to attract the female. The “Alarm calls” also help to intimate other frogs regarding the presence of a predator.
Is it Possible for a Frog to Drown?
Yes, it is actually possible. In fact, frogs also have lunges as we do. When water enters the lungs, frogs can drown.
Normally, frogs can stay underwater for an exceptionally long time without breathing through their lungs. Frogs start breathing through their skin by absorbing Oxygen directly from the water.
If the water doesn’t provide enough oxygen, the frog may start breathing through the lungs. This fills the lungs with water and the frog drowns.
How Long a Frog can Live?
Usually, frogs can live for 5 to 10 years. There are a few species, which can survive for almost 30 years. Mostly, poisonous frogs can live longer as they have a strong defense system to avoid being prey.
What is a tadpole?
Talking about a tadpole, it’s an immature frog. This is the larval stage of a baby frog. After hatching from the eggs, tadpoles start to swim in the water. Tadpoles are adapted to survive in water.
They also have gills like fish. After some time, tadpoles transform into adult frogs. This process is known as “Metamorphosis”.
Why the Skin of Toads is different from that of Frogs?
Toads have specific glands on the skin, which secrete poisonous liquids. These glands tend to give a rough and bumpy appearance to their skin.
On the contrary, frogs secrete slimy fluids through their skin to keep it moist. As a result, they have slippery and smooth skin.
Why the tongue of a frog is long and sticky?
The long tongue and sticky tongue of frogs can help them to catch flying insects from a distance. Most frogs can extend their tongue to a minimum of 4 to 6 inches.
Why do Frog Eggs need Water for their Survival?
Frog eggs don’t have a hard shells that we see in the eggs of reptiles and birds. The eggs of a frog appear to be jelly-like fluid. These eggs will dry up quickly when out of water.
What type of Predators like Frogs?
When tadpoles hatch from their eggs and are passing through the transition phase, they serve as great food for fish or other adult frogs.
On the other hand, adult frogs can be easy prey for raccoons, snakes, herons, and similar other predators.
How Frogs can make Loud Noises?
In a few frog species, the lower area of their mouth contains a vocal sac. After closing its nostrils and mouth, the frog forces air into the vocal sacks.
The vocal sacs thus inflate like a balloon and start to vibrate. This in turn produces loud noise that we normally hear.
How High a Frog can Jump
Frogs are popular for their extraordinary jumping skills. However, the African frog takes the lead, as they can jump up to 14 feet. Besides, not all frogs hop. For instance, the tree frog moves like a lizard.
Common Threats to Frog Species
The largest and most common threat faced by frogs is the loss of their habitat. The major cause of this issue is the human expansion and unbridled activities of humans.
Migration is hard for the frogs. This is so, as while in search of suitable habitat, a large number of frogs lose their lives. The massive infrastructures like highways and roads networks have increased the instances of road-kills.
Besides, humans have also introduced various non-native species to certain habitats of frogs. These species are actually consuming the native frogs.
In addition, the pollutants from industries are contaminating the ponds and rivers. This limits population growth by killing a wide range of tadpoles.
The spread of fungal diseases is another threat to frog species. For instance, Chytrid is a fungus, which caused the extinction of over 200 frog species.
Since the fungus grows in water, it can easily infect the frogs. It covers the skin of a frog and prevents it from breathing or hydrating through the skin.
Nearly 900 species of frogs are on the list of endangered species. This is mentioned in the Red List published by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).
More than 500 frog species are referred to as critically endangered. It is essential to step forward and do our bit to save endangered species of frogs. This is so, as frogs play a critical role in our ecosystem.
