It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a flying frog!

Annam Flying frog (Rhacophorus annamensis)

Annam flying frog (Rhacophorus annamensis)

Cute Frog of the Week: Oct. 8, 2012

Native to the mountain forests of Vietnam, the Annam flying frog (Rhacophorus annamensis) is famous for its gliding acrobatics. Using the skin flaps between its toes, this flying frog glides from tree to tree in search of food, water and shelter. It can even steer its way to any leaf with the help of another small skin flap attached to its back end.

The flying frog is also recognized as one of the largest frog species. Females, who are longer than males, can reach up to 3.5 inches long! The females are also known to create intricate foam nests over ponds for their young. Though the Annam flying frog is one of the most commonly found tree frogs in Vietnam, this species is facing habitat loss from deforestation and is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN.

Photo by Jodi Rowley via ARKive.

Every week the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project posts a new photo of a cute frog from anywhere in the world with an interesting, fun and unique story to tell. Be sure to check back every Monday for the latest addition.

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