New Zealand FrogsNew Zealand had 7 frog species and now there are 4 - each of which is at risk. The monitored populations of New Zealand's Archey's frog declined 88% between 1996 and 2001. New Zealand's Hamilton's frog was reduced to a habitat of 600 square metres by 1992. Each of New Zealand's four remaining frogs is 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 include: they don't have webbed feet, have no external eardrums, they chirp, are nocturnal, have round pupils, and don't have a tadpole stage. New Zealan's frogs are very unique! | ![]() | |||||
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©
Dr Paddy Ryan
(cropped) | ||||||
Information on this and linked pages given in good faith... | ||||||
Hochstetter's
Frog
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Correction notices to web@nhc.net.nz. To contribute images click here. Interviews about New Zealand frogsInterview 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". | ||||||
Click on the link below each New Zealand frog species' image to access its page |
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Maud
Island frog - Leiopelma pakeka © Dr Paddy
Ryan | Hochstetter
frog - Leiopelma hochstetteri © Dr Paddy
Ryan | |||||
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Hamilton's
frog - Leiopelma hamiltoni © Dr Paddy Ryan | ||||||
Archey's
frog - Leiopelma
archeyi © Dr Paddy Ryan | ||||||