The water-holding frog, aka eastern water-holding frog or common water holding frog, is different from most other frogs as they are terrestrial (spend most or all of their life on the ground) and fossorial (spend most or all of their lives underground), and they also undergo aestivation (like hibernation, but taking place in the summer). They hail from Australia. These frogs face the threats of habitat loss and destruction at the hands of agro-industry farming as well as secondary salinity associated with land clearing. However, these frogs are abundant enough to be listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Their population trend is listed as stable as well.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Cyclorana platycephala
Weight: Up to 2.82 ouinces
Length: Up to 3.9 inches
Lifespan: Up to 5 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) When aestivating, these frogs dig burrows in clay soils near roots of vegetation and their burrows can be up to 3.28 feet deep.
2.) During aestivation they shed numerous layers of their skin and secrete a water-tight mucus-like cocoon that is utilized in lining their burrow in order to retain and manage water more efficiently.
3.) Like many other frogs, they will also ingest their shed skin as a means of obtaining additional food reserves that will serve them during their slumber.
4.) When in their burrow their oxygen consumption has been found to be reduced by 70%.
5.) Just like so many other species of frogs, they are nocturnal (active at night).
But wait, there’s more on the water-holding frog!
6.) Once the rainy season starts, they awaken from aestivation and begin not only searching for food but also a mate.
7.) Their calls have been likened to a motorcycle starting with a long drawn out “mawww” sound.
Did you know…?
They get their common name due to their ability to store large amounts of water in their bladder. They can absorb up to half their body weight in water and store it in pockets within their skin as well as in their bladder.
8.) Tadpoles can reach lengths of up to 2.76 inches.
9.) Females produce up to 500 eggs in the water.
10.) Tadpoles metamorphose in up to 40 days, but can do so in as little as 14 days.
But wait, there’s still more on the water-holding frog!
11.) Various insects, worms, tadpoles, smaller frogs, ants, and termites are all consumed. They will also cannibalize their own young in lean times.
12.) Birds, monitor lizards, and snakes all prey on these frogs.
13.) Indigenous Australians utilize the frog’s ability to store water. When slightly squeezed they release their stored water from their skin pockets and bladder. This water is safe to be consumed. Natives dig the frogs from their burrows and then drink the fresh water they release.
Now a Short Water-Holding Frog Video!
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