Maud Island Frog
Encyclopedia
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 that the differences are largely superficial. This calls into question its designation as a separate species.
Like other Leiopelma species, these frogs do not produce advertisement vocalisations to attract mates. Instead, they communicate through chemical signals.
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.
It is classed as Nationally Endangered in the New Zealand Threat Classification System
.
Maud Island frog
Conservation status
Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)
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 New Zealand primitive frog, one of only four belonging to the ancient family Leiopelmatidae.
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
, one of only four extant species belonging to the taxonomic family Leiopelmatidae
Leiopelmatidae
Leiopelmatidae, or New Zealand and North American primitive frogs, is a family belonging to the suborder Archaeobatrachia. Their relatively primitive form indicates that they have an ancient lineage...
.
Although Leiopelma pakeka differs in some aspects of morphology from Leiopelma hamiltoni, with which it was previously grouped, recent genetic studies suggest that the differences are largely superficial. This calls into question its designation as a separate species.
Like other Leiopelma species, these frogs do not produce advertisement vocalisations to attract mates. Instead, they communicate through chemical signals.
In early 2006, 21 Maud Island frogs were released into the introduced predator proof Karori Wildlife Sanctuary
Karori Wildlife Sanctuary
Zealandia, formerly known as the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, is a protected natural area in Wellington, New Zealand, where the biodiversity of 225 ha of forest is being restored...
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.
It is classed as Nationally Endangered in the New Zealand Threat Classification System
New Zealand Threat Classification System
The New Zealand Threat Classification System is used by the Department of Conservation to assess conservation priorities of species in New Zealand....
.
Maud Island frog
Conservation status
Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)
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 New Zealand primitive frog, one of only four belonging to the ancient family Leiopelmatidae.
Further reading
Database entry includes a range map, a brief justification of why this species is vulnerable, and the criteria used- Chris Mattison, Frogs & Toads of the World, (Blandford, London, UK 1992) ISBN 0-7137-2355-6
External links
- New Zealand Frog Conservation Biology - research on New Zealand frog biology
- Maud Island Frog at the Karori Wildlife SanctuaryKarori Wildlife SanctuaryZealandia, formerly known as the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, is a protected natural area in Wellington, New Zealand, where the biodiversity of 225 ha of forest is being restored...