Platymantis vitiensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Platymantis vitiensis |
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The Fiji tree frog (scientific name: Platymantis vitiensis) is a special type of frog. It's also sometimes called the Levuka wrinkled ground frog. This frog belongs to a family called Ceratobatrachidae.
It's one of only two frogs that live only in Fiji. This means they are endemic to Fiji. The other frog is its close relative, the Platymantis vitianus, also known as the Viti Wrinkled ground frog.
What Does the Fiji Tree Frog Look Like?
Adult male Fiji tree frogs are usually about 32 to 45 millimeters long. This measurement is taken from their nose to their bottom, called snout-vent length. Female frogs are a bit bigger, measuring about 47 to 60 millimeters.
These frogs have special climbing pads on their front toes. These pads are much larger than the ones on their back toes. Their skin can be different colors like gray, orange, yellow, or even gray-green. However, you will never see a Fiji tree frog that is completely green. Some of them even have a cool white or yellow stripe running down their backs!
Behavior and Reproduction
The Fiji tree frog is a very good swimmer and jumper. When it jumps, it can twist its body in the air. This helps it quickly jump again in a different direction. This trick helps it confuse animals that might want to eat it.
Unlike most frogs, both the male and female Fiji tree frogs sing! However, the female's call sounds different from the male's. This is because female frogs do not have a vocal sac, which is a special pouch that helps male frogs make loud calls.
When it's time to lay eggs, the female frog lays about 20 to 40 eggs at once. She places her eggs on plants. These frogs have a special way of growing up called direct development. This means that instead of hatching as a free-swimming tadpole, the eggs hatch directly into tiny froglets that look like small adult frogs.
Where Do Fiji Tree Frogs Live?
Platymantis vitiensis is a common frog in some areas. It likes to live in moist tropical lowland forests, especially near streams. You might also find a few of them in gardens, on farms, or in pandan plants in grassy areas.
These frogs live on several islands in Fiji. You can find them on Ovalau, Taveuni, Vanua Levu, and Viti Levu. Sadly, their homes are shrinking because of habitat loss. This happens when their native forests are cut down to make room for farms and other developments.
