Category Archives: Cute Frog of the Week

Rock star.

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Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus)

Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus)

Cute Amphibian of the Week: November 19, 2012

The Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus), native to China, is the largest living salamander growing to monstrous lengths of up to six feet. When camouflaged, this species resembles a large rock with its eyes barely perceptible amid its large body. It lives and breeds in large hill streams, usually in forested areas. Interestingly enough, this species has a range of vocalizations with one of them eerily sounding like a child crying, resulting in the nickname “the infant fish.”

These enormous salamanders can weigh as much as a whopping 58 pounds. Commercial overexploitation for human consumption is the main threat to this species, though habitat destruction and degradation also play a role. At the current time the species is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN.

Photo by Silvain de Munck.

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.

Send us your own cute frogs by uploading your photos here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/cutefrogoftheweek/

MMMmmmmmmm…….chocolate.

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W rain-peeper (Pristimantis w-nigrum)

W rain-peeper (Pristimantis w-nigrum)

Cute Frog of the Week: November 12, 2012

The W rain peeper (Pristimantis w-nigrum), native to Ecuador and Colombia, resides at vertigo-inducing heights of between 800 meters and 3,300 meters. As is the Latin American tradition, this species is a frog of many names and additionally referred to as the Zurucucho robber frog and the cualita. They can be found near streams or far from them, in cloud forest and sub-paramo habitats. It may not look it, but this is one hardy frog—it is able to tolerate substantial habitat disturbance. Major threats to this species include water pollution and potentially chytrid.

This species is called the W rain peeper because of its characteristic W-shaped mark on the scapular or shoulder region. The W rain peeper has a more neutral coloration and gruffer appearance, making it the tough guy among peepers. It possesses an inimitable marking around its mouth that makes it look like it just finished eating chocolate. Currently, this species is listed as least concern by the IUCN.

Photo by Alejandro Arteaga via Flickr.

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.

Send us your own cute frogs by uploading your photos here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/cutefrogoftheweek/

Now you see me…

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Papillated rain-peeper (Pristimantis phoxocephalus)

Papillated rain-peeper (Pristimantis phoxocephalus)

Cute Frog of the Week: November 5, 2012

The papillated rain-peeper (Pristimantis phoxocephalus), native to Peru and Ecuador, is a small frog that resides at dizzying heights of between 1,800 and 3,100 meters. This species receives its namesake from the small papilla or protuberance on the tip of its nose. It has a characteristic banding around its eyes, which makes it seem like a mini bandit. The papillated rain peeper can be found in the upper humid montane forest at sub-paramo, but mostly on the edges as opposed to the interior. Both livestock and selective wood extraction threaten this adorable species by leading to destruction and loss of habitat.

This peeper, though common in Ecuador, is considered much rarer in Peru. Like most peepers, this species is known for its melodic vocalizations that can be heard throughout the forest edges. It has a unique pattern on its back of alternating brown and black dots, which make it stand out among the greenery, but allows it to disappear into the dead leaf litter. This makes it a veritable Houdini! Currently, this species is listed as least concern by the IUCN.

Photo by Alejandro Arteaga via Flickr.

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.

Send us your own cute frogs by uploading your photos here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/cutefrogoftheweek/

Mirror, mirror.

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Emerald glassfrog (Espadarana prosoblepon)

Emerald glass frog (Espadarana prosoblepon)

Cute Frog of the Week: October 29, 2012

The emerald glass frog (Espadarana prosoblepon), native to Central and South American forests, is an interesting species that literally has nothing to hide. Its belly is clear, allowing its bones and intestines to be visible to observers. Interestingly enough, this frog has green bones because of biliverdin, a type of pigment!

The emerald glass frog resides in low vegetation and is frequently found near rivers and streams. While this small frog is, indeed, adorable, do not be fooled. Males are extremely territorial and will wrestle each other while hanging from vegetation, waiting for the other to drop or signal submission. These engagements may last up to 30 minutes. At the current time the species is listed as least concern by the IUCN.

Photo by Alejandro Arteaga via Flickr.

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.

Send us your own cute frogs by uploading your photos here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/cutefrogoftheweek/

What you looking at?

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Gabon forest tree frog (Leptopelis aubryi)

Gabon forest tree frog (Leptopelis aubryi)

Cute Frog of the Week: October 22, 2012

The Gabon forest tree frog (Leptopelis aubryi) is one of the more diminutive frogs ,measuring in at only 54mm in maximum length. Native to Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Congo, the DRC, Gabon, and Nigeria, this frog may be small in size, but makes up for it with the size of its eyes, which appear to dominate its entire body. It is an extremely versatile species that can live in habitats from swamp forest to farm bush.

The Gabon forest tree frog has a mottled brown appearance resembling decaying leaves that allows it to almost blend into its surroundings, making it the ultimate illusionist. Its call is a brief series of clicks, which might take you back to Spain because of its resemblance to castanets. At the current time the species is listed as least concern by the IUCN.

Photo by Brian Gratwicke, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.

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.

Send us your own cute frogs by uploading your photos here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/cutefrogoftheweek/

It’s not finger paint.

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Red webbed tree frog (Hypsiboas rufitelus)

Red webbed tree frog (Hypsiboas rufitelus)

Cute Frog of the Week: October 15, 2012

The red webbed tree frog (Hypsiboas rufitelus) is an uncommon nocturnal tree frog, notable for its orange to tomato red webbing between its digits that look almost as if it had dipped its feet in paint. This species is native to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama and lives in humid lowland forest. Males are the ultimate hide and seekers—although their calls are heard year-round, they are still rarely seen.

The major threat to this elusive species is habit loss caused by the destruction of natural forest, habitat modification and intensified agriculture. Its calls are a high series of clucks with notes lasting about fifty milliseconds and fired in quick succession, all within a minute. At the current time the species is listed as least concern by the IUCN.

Photo by Joe Milmoe, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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.

Send us your own cute frogs by uploading your photos here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/cutefrogoftheweek/

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

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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.

Send us your own cute frogs by uploading your photos here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/cutefrogoftheweek/

It’s what’s inside that counts.

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Northern glassfrog (Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni)

Northern glassfrog (Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni)

Cute Frog of the Week: Oct. 1, 2012

The Northern glass frog (Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni) is one of the most bizarre amphibians in the world! Though it sports excellent green camouflage for hiding in the rainforests of Central and South America, the most striking feature on this little frog is its transparent belly. If you look at the frog’s underside you can spot its lungs, intestines and even its beating heart!

The Northern glass frog also stands out with its forward-facing, bright yellow eyes, which distinguishes it from the common tree frog. With its unique coloration, it may seem that they are easy to spot, but this is far from the truth. They are nocturnal and are mainly arboreal, meaning that they live exclusively in trees. Though they may be difficult to see, they can certainly be heard. Competing males will often challenge each other by showcasing their impressive mating calls. Though deforestation and habitat loss are a threat, the species is currently classified as a least concern by the IUCN.

Photo by Alejandro Arteaga via Flickr.

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.

Send us your own cute frogs by uploading your photos here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/cutefrogoftheweek/

Glee club candidate.

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Quito rain-peeper (Pristimantis unistrigatus)

Quito rain-peeper (Pristimantis unistrigatus)

Cute Frog of the Week: Sept. 24, 2012

Found all throughout Peru, Columbia, and most notably, Quito, this noisy frog is well renowned for its vocal talents. During the rainy season, these frogs will vocalize throughout the night to attract mates. This species is also known to be highly adaptable. Found anywhere from the Andean cloud forests to the urban streets of Quito, the rain-peeper is a well-known frog in the area.

Though there are several sub-species of rain-peepers, the Quito is the most abundant.  At the current time the species is listed as a least concern by the IUCN.

Photo by Alejandro Arteaga via Flickr.

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.

Send us your own cute frogs by uploading your photos here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/cutefrogoftheweek/

Is it Halloween yet?

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Bicolored frog (Clinotarsus curtipes)

Bicolored frog (Clinotarsus curtipes)

Cute Frog of the Week: Monday, Sept. 17

Perfect for pumpkin season, the bicolored frog’s color coordinates with hues of the holiday of haunts and boos. While cute, the bicolored frog looks like a caped villain with red ringed eyes. Its back is covered in burnt orange or light brown, while its belly is dark brown. This dual display of color gives the frog its name.

Bicolored frogs are found in forests throughout the Western Ghats, a mountain range in India. While inhabiting a large range, the species’ numbers are declining. Its habitat is razed to make way for large plantations. It is also in danger of road deaths during its breeding season when it migrates to breeding areas. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature lists it as near threatened and India is setting the stage for recovery efforts by listing it as a protected species. While subject to risks of human activity, bicolored frogs evade predators by playing dead!

Photo by L. Shyamal Shyamal.

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.

Send us your own cute frogs by uploading your photos here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/cutefrogoftheweek/