Eungella torrent frog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eungella torrent frog |
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The Eungella torrent frog (Taudactylus eungellensis) is a unique frog that lives in streams. It is found only in Australia, specifically in the mountain ranges west of Mackay in mid-eastern Queensland.
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
This frog is quite small, growing up to about 3.5 centimeters long. It has a slender body and long, thin legs.
Colors and Markings
The frog's back can be yellowish-tan to dark brown. It often has darker spots and an X-shaped mark on its back. The front part of its head is usually lighter than the back. Its arms and legs have bands of color.
Special Features
The Eungella torrent frog has wedge-shaped pads on its toes and feet. These help it grip wet surfaces. It does not have webbing between its toes. Its skin can be smooth or slightly bumpy. The belly is smooth and a bright yellow. Its eyes have golden irises that narrow horizontally. You can't easily see its eardrum (called a tympanum).
Where It Lives and What It Does
This frog lives in mountain rainforests and tall open forests. You can find it in and around fast-flowing creeks.
Hiding from Danger
If the Eungella torrent frog feels scared, it might jump into the creek. It then hides under rocks until the danger has passed.
Breeding and Communication
These frogs can breed all year round. However, they breed most often from November to December. Male frogs make a soft, tinkling sound. It's often hard to hear over the sound of the rushing water.
They lay eggs in clumps of 30 to 50. The eggs are attached to the underside of rocks or logs that are underwater.
Unique Body Movements
The Eungella torrent frog is the only frog in its family (Myobatrachidae) known to "talk" using body movements. Scientists think these movements are part of their courtship. These special moves include:
- Flicking and waving their legs
- Bobbing their heads
- Making distinctive hops
A Comeback Story
This frog species is the only known Australian frog to disappear and then reappear. The Eungella torrent frog first started to decline in the 1980s. From 1987 to 1992, no one could find them, even after many searches.
Rediscovery and Recovery
Since 1992, the frog has been found again at nine different places. Their numbers seem to be slowly increasing. This is good news! However, their populations are not as big as they were before the decline. Back then, they were considered common.
The Chytrid Fungus
Scientists believe a fungus called chytrid fungus caused their decline. This fungus can be very harmful to frogs. But now, it seems these frogs can live with the fungus. This is amazing, as the fungus almost made them extinct.
Why It Needs Our Help
The Eungella torrent frog is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. This means it faces a very high risk of becoming extinct in the wild. It is also listed as Endangered under Queensland's Nature Conservation Act 1992. This shows how important it is to protect this special frog.
