BIG EYED TREE FROG

ORDER

Anura (frogs and toads)

FAMILY

Arthroleptidae

HABITAT AND RANGE

This species is endemic to several mountains in the Eastern Arc chain of the United Republic of Tanzania, Africa. It occurs above 900m up to elevations of at least 1,800m in southern Tanzania. They require mature closed-canopy forests near water. They are often found sitting still on branches above water. It is very common in its range.

IDENTIFICATION

This species is a medium to large frog, males are 1.5 – 2 inches, females are larger at 2.5 to 3.5 inches in length. It has two very different color phases. One phase is a bright green with scattered black specks all over the dorsal surface and the sides are marble with black and white. The other phase is brown with an irregular shaped, darker brown triangular patch on the dorsum. Big-eyed frogs in captivity have changed their colors from phase to phase in a few months time.

DIET

Big eyed tree frogs are insectivorous.

REPRODUCTION AND LIFESPAN

The big eyed tree frog’s reproductive habits are mostly unknown, but it presumably breeds in water, and males call near streams. The eggs are probably laid in nests on land, not far from water, either streams or temporary pools.

NOTES

Big eyed tree frogs are losing habitat rapidly due to wood harvesting, human settlement, and agriculture. It the East Usambara Mountains illegal gold miners are effecting their habitat as well. It is sometimes found in the international pet trade, but that is not believed to be a big threat. They are listed as a vulnerable species. Their adaptations include well developed webbing on feet, a large tympanum, large toe pads for climbing, and very large eyes compared to its body size.