About Exotic Frog Habitats
Most exotic frog species can be found in Central and South America and Mexico, such as the poison arrow frog, the red-eyed tree frog, the horned frog and the yellow-banded dart frog. A number of other breeds can be found in Africa, Australia and southeast Asia, where certain species of frog are well adapted to the tropical climate.
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Endangered
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In Panama alone there are at least 50 different species of exotic frogs, but despite being adapted to life in the rain forests of Central America they are still extremely vulnerable, as they are able to absorb substances through their moist skin, which are easily infected by fungi. One type of fungi has been released into the frog's environment after many African clawed toads escaped from captivity and infected the water systems. Wildlife expert David Attenborough predicted in 2008 that the infection would be responsible for the extinction of many frog species that inhabit the region. Throughout Central America many species are becoming endangered and species such as the golden toad, native to Costa Rica, have now become extinct. Out of 6,000 frog species worldwide at least a third are now endangered.
Habitat
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Exotic frogs can be found in dense vegetation in areas of rain forest close to running water. Many exotic frog breeds live mainly in trees. The red-eyed tree frog is well suited to climbing tree branches, as this species has an individual suction pad on each toe. The Wallace's flying frog, native to southeast Asia, has large webbed feet that enable it to glide from tree to tree. Other breeds, such as the yellow-banded dart frog and the gold frog, which is native to Brazil, can be found living among the fallen leaves of the forest floor. They also hide in crevices in trees and stones during dry weather.
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Water
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Although most exotic frogs spend the majority of their lives out of water, they usually return there in order to reproduce. During the rainy season many frog species lay their eggs on the leaves of trees that hang directly over water. Once the eggs hatch the water inside them flows down the leaf and into the water, taking the tadpoles with it. The tadpoles stay in the water for two months until they emerge as froglets and move into the trees until it is time for them to reproduce.
Food Resources
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As all frogs are cold-blooded they need very little food in order to maintain energy. This attribute means that they are able to survive in habitats where food is scarce. Rain frogs, native to Africa, are able to spend months underground waiting for the rainy season before coming up to feed on ants and termites. In the rain forest exotic frogs are also carnivorous, mainly feeding on small insects such as flies, and small spiders. Species like the red-eyed tree frog will eat anything they can fit into their mouths, including other frogs. The larger horned frog relies on its camouflage to blend in with the foliage of the forest floor, where it preys on snakes, lizards, mice, large insects and other vertebrates.
Captivity
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In captivity exotic frog species native to the rain forest are kept in glass habitats called vivariums. These take a lot of work to maintain, as each frog breed needs a specific temperature, which also differs between night and day. The tank temperature should be set at 68 degrees Fahrenheit at night and between 75 and 88 during the day, depending on the specific breed. Frogs should be given an environment that is filled with artificial, inedible plants, and driftwood branches. Tree frogs especially need branches to climb on. There should also be an area of clean water and the tank should never be positioned in direct sunlight. In captivity frogs are fed two to three live crickets every two to three days.
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References
- Photo Credit frog on moss image by Justin Wolford from Fotolia.com
