Frogs can brood eggs either by sitting down on the eggs or in their vocal sacs. But a new species has the male carrying the young tadpoles around inside its “pocket.”
Recent research by the University of Newcastle, South Australian Museum and others has identified a new species of “hip-pocket” or pouched frog from Wollumbin National park in northern New South Wales.
This hip-pocket is just the second one to have been discovered.
The father sits on the eggs for about six days until the tadpoles hatch and climb into small pouches located on the adult frog’s legs – and the young stays there until they develop their own legs.
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For six days the father keeps the eggs in the egg box until hatching occurs. The tadpoles then climb up into the pouches that are located between the legs of an adult frog. From there, the young stay put until they can walk on their own.
Matt Kean, Minister for Environment said that this incredible discovery shows how little we know about the world. It was made with just 16 pieces of information. [millimeter]One mountain is all it contains: a frog.
The NSW has a small population, making it more susceptible to climate change. [New South Wales]The government quickly responded to its needs and protected the habitat in just days after it was officially described.
Assa Wollumbin Sp.nov. has been given the new name. Consultation with Aboriginal Elders of Wollumbin Consultative Group.
It is also a close relative to Assa darlingtoni, or pouched frog.
While the original species’ first member was only discovered in 1993 by scientists, the species has been well-known to indigenous people for thousands of year.
It is the second species to have been discovered.
Michael Mahony, University of Newcastle, stated in a statement that the hip-pocket Frog was unique because of its remarkable breeding biology. He also said, ‘The only four species of frogs worldwide have male parental care, where the male takes its developing tadpoles.
The newly described pouched frog is one of nine threatened species of frog the researchers are studying in the aftermath of Australia’s 2019-2020 bushfire disaster, and is expected to meet the state’s criteria for a critically endangered listing.
Officials from the Wildlife Department estimate that 47 million acres of land were destroyed by bushfires.
Kean explained that this small number makes the frog vulnerable to climate change. The NSW government responded quickly and protected the habitat in just days after it was officially identified.
“A conservation action plan is being developed in order to safeguard this amazing frog-species, previously unknown high up in the cool forest.