New Zealand Frogs

New Zealand had 7 frog species and now there are 4 - each of which are at risk. The monitored populations of New Zealand's Archey's Frog declined 88% between 1996 and 2001. Our Hamilton's Frog was reduced to a habitat of 600 square metres by 1992. Each of our four remaining frogs are in the top 100 of the London Zoological Society's EDGE list (Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered).

New Zealand’s native frog species are endemic (only live here) and belong to the genus Leiopelma. They have evolved very little over the last 70 - 200 million years. Distinguishing features are that they don't have webbed feet, have no external eardrums, and chirp. They are also nocturnal, have round pupils, and don't have a tadpole stage.

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Interview about our frogs - Dr Phil Bishop

Interview about Maud Island Frogs

Interview about a frog in New Zealand that can survive being totally frozen (listen while you browse)

Dr Phil Bishop "We have the most significant frogs in the world, and several species are in danger of becoming extinct in our life time. It is morally irresponsible for us to sit back and document their declines without working to prevent their extinction."