WHITE-LIPPED TREE FROG

Imagine a creature cloaked in vibrant green, with a striking white stripe running along its lower lip—hence its name, the White-lipped tree frog. This is the largest tree frog in Australia, with females growing up to 14 centimetres long, while males are slightly smaller. Their skin is smooth, and they possess large toe pads that help them cling to surfaces, a handy adaptation for their arboreal lifestyle. The White-lipped Tree Frog can change its skin colour slightly, becoming darker or lighter depending on its environment and mood.

It has a unique ability to absorb water directly through its skin, a crucial adaptation for survival in its humid habitat. These frogs are known for their ability to leap impressive distances, using their strong hind legs to propel themselves from branch to branch.

This remarkable frog is found in the warm and humid regions of northern Queensland, Australia, and it also stretches into New Guinea. It thrives in tropical rainforests, often near rivers and ponds, where the air is thick with moisture. These environments provide the perfect backdrop for their life among the trees.

The White-lipped Tree Frog is an opportunistic feeder. Its diet primarily consists of insects and other invertebrates. Imagine it perched quietly, waiting for an unsuspecting insect to wander by, before it swiftly snaps it up with its long, sticky tongue.

Breeding occurs during the wet season, typically from November to March. Males call to attract females with a distinctive loud croak, which can be heard echoing through the forest. The females lay their eggs in water, where they hatch into tadpoles before undergoing metamorphosis into froglets.

These frogs can live up to 10 years, though this can vary based on environmental conditions and predation pressures.

Currently, the White-lipped tree frog is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, like many amphibians, it faces threats from habitat loss, climate change, and disease, specifically the chytrid fungus, which has affected amphibian populations worldwide.

The call of the White-lipped tree frog is a loud, barking croak. It’s a sound that resonates through the rainforest, especially during the breeding season, as males compete to attract mates.

In the grand tapestry of Australian wildlife, the White-lipped Tree Frog stands out not just for its size, but for its adaptability and the vital role it plays in the ecosystem. By understanding and appreciating such creatures, we can foster a deeper connection with the natural world and inspire efforts to conserve these precious habitats.