WATER-HOLDING FROG

The Water-holding frog is a robust and somewhat rotund creature. It boasts a broad, flattened body that can appear quite plump, especially when it is storing water. Its skin is smooth and typically a muted green or brown, allowing it to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. This camouflage is crucial for avoiding predators.

This frog is primarily found in the arid and semi-arid regions of Australia, including parts of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and South Australia. It has adapted to environments where water is scarce for much of the year. During the dry season, it burrows underground, using its skin to absorb water from the soil, effectively becoming a living water reservoir. Indigenous Australians have long known about this frog’s ability to store water and have historically used it as a water source in times of need.

The diet of the Water-holding frog consists mainly of insects and other small invertebrates. It is an opportunistic feeder, taking advantage of whatever prey is available in its environment. This diet helps it build up the energy reserves it needs to survive the long dry spells.

Breeding occurs in response to heavy rains, which can be sporadic in the frog’s habitat. When the rains come, the frogs emerge from their burrows and make their way to temporary water bodies to breed. The males produce a distinctive call to attract females, sounding like a series of low, repetitive croaks. Females lay eggs in the water, which quickly develop into tadpoles and then into frogs, all within a relatively short period to take advantage of the temporary water availability.

Water-holding frogs can live for several years, with their lifespan largely dependent on environmental conditions. Their ability to survive long periods underground in a state of dormancy allows them to outlast droughts that might claim less adaptable species. This frog’s ability to enter a state of dormancy, is a remarkable adaptation to its unpredictable environment.

Currently, the Water-holding frog is not considered to be at risk and is classified as Least Concern. However, like many species, it faces threats from habitat destruction and climate change, which could alter the delicate balance of its arid environment.

The call of the water-holding frog is a series of low, guttural croaks. These calls are most often heard after heavy rains, when the frogs are active and breeding.

The water-holding frog is a testament to the incredible adaptability of life in Australia’s varied landscapes. Its unique lifestyle and survival strategies offer a window into the resilience of nature, and remind us of the importance of conserving such intriguing species and their habitats.