Maud Island frog

Maud Island frog
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Amphibia
Superorder: Batrachia
Order: Anura
Family: Leiopelmatidae
Genus: Leiopelma
Species: L. pakeka
Binomial name
Leiopelma pakeka
Bell, Daugherty & Hay, 1998
Range of Maud Island Frog

The Maud Island frog, Leiopelma pakeka, is a primitive frog native to New Zealand, one of only four extant species belonging to the taxonomic family Leiopelmatidae.

Although Leiopelma pakeka differs in some aspects of morphology from Leiopelma hamiltoni, with which it was previously grouped, recent genetic studies suggest the differences are largely superficial. This calls into question its designation as a separate species.[1]

Like other Leiopelma species, these frogs do not produce advertisement vocalisations to attract mates. Instead, they communicate through chemical signals.[2]

In early 2006, 21 Maud Island frogs were released into the introduced predator proof Karori Wildlife Sanctuary with more to follow later in the year to make a total of 60. Thirty frogs were released outside the enclosure so that a comparative study could be done. In February 2008, 13 froglets were discovered clinging to adult males, inside the enclosure.[3]

It is classed as Nationally Endangered in the New Zealand Threat Classification System.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Andrew Holyoake, Bruce Waldman and Neil J. Gemmell (2001). Determining the species status of one of the world's rarest frogs: a conservation dilemma. Animal Conservation, 4, pp 29-35 doi:10.1017/S1367943001001032
  2. ↑ Bruce Waldman and Philip J. Bishop (2004). Chemical communication in an archaic anuran amphibian. Behavioral Ecology, 14, pp. 88-93 doi:10.1093/beheco/arg071
  3. ↑ Gregory, Angela (29 February 2008). "Tiny Maud Island frogs make place in history". New Zealand Herald. p. A4. Retrieved 13 April 2009.
  4. ↑ Rod Hitchmough, Leigh Bull and Pam Cromarty (compilers). New Zealand Threat Classification System lists - 2005. Wellington: Department of Conservation. ISBN 0-478-14128-9. Retrieved 2009-04-17.

Further reading

External links


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