New Zealand’s native frogs are a small group of rare animals that few people ever see. Here are 5 facts about these unique amphibians.
In the five years I’ve spent wandering around New Zealand I’ve only seen a frog once. My only frog sighting was of a dead frog in a paddock – not too exciting. These frogs may not be very common, but they are quite special. The native frogs are unlike frogs in other parts of the world. Unfortunately, they are disappearing and now only can be found in a few places on the main islands and some predator free offshore islands.
How Many Species Of Native Frogs Are There In New Zealand?
There are only 7 species of frogs in New Zealand. 3 of those were introduced from Australia, leaving only 4 native species.
2 of those native species (maud island frog and hamilton’s frog) can now only be found on offshore islands. The only 2 native species that can still be found in small pockets of the main islands are archey’s frog and hochstetter’s frog. There were at least another 3 native species that have gone extinct since the arrival of people.
5 Facts About New Zealand’s Native Frogs?
Have no vocal sac – As children, we learn that frogs make a ribbit or croaking sound. Well, New Zealand’s native frogs can’t croak. However, they can make small squeaking noises when they are harassed or threatened.
Don’t lay eggs in water – Most frogs lay eggs in water so that the tadpoles emerging from them can survive in the water. Well, all of New Zealand’s native frogs except hochstetter’s lay eggs in moist spots under rocks or logs, not in water.
Tadpoles stay inside of their eggs – This explains why the eggs don’t have to be in water. The tadpole stage is passed within the egg. When the baby frogs hatch from the egg they already have a tail and are small froglets that live out of the water.
They can’t extend their tongues – This seems like such a part of what makes a frog a frog, but New Zealand’s native frogs don’t do it. They lack the ability to catch prey by extending their tongue! Instead they catch insects with their mouth. Sometimes they even use their arms.
Their eyes are round – The pupils in most frogs’ eyes are horizontal, but New Zealand’s native frogs are round. Look at the pupils in the above photo of a native maud island frog.