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The whistling tree frog (''Litoria verreauxii''), or Verreaux's tree frog, is a species of frog found in Australia. It has been divided into two subspecies, the nominate Verreaux's tree frog (''L. v. verreauxii'') and the Verreaux's alpine tree frog (''L. v. alpina''). The alpine tree frog is restricted to the southern alps of
''L. v. alpina'' is mostly green on the dorsal surface with two brown bands running parallel to each other down the back. These bands start at the eye and are separated by a narrow band of green. The thighs and backs of the legs are the same as above. The belly of both subspecies is white. Both reach a maximum size of about .
Frog Australia Network - Alpine Tree Frog
frog call available
Frogs Australia Network - Whistling Tree Frog
frog call available
Article Road: List of All Frog Breeds: Things You Can Do to Ensure Your Frog Has a Long, Happy and Healthy Life: Whistling Tree FrogDepartment of Environment, Climate Change and Water, New South Wales: Amphibian Keeper's Licence: Species Lists
{{Taxonbar, from=Q2044526 Litoria Amphibians of Queensland Amphibians of New South Wales Amphibians of the Australian Capital Territory Amphibians of Victoria (Australia) Amphibians described in 1853 Frogs of Australia
New South Wales
)
, nickname =
, image_map = New South Wales in Australia.svg
, map_caption = Location of New South Wales in AustraliaCoordinates:
, subdivision_type = Country
, subdivision_name = Australia
, established_title = Before federation
, es ...
and Victoria. Verreaux's tree frog is widespread throughout south-eastern Queensland
)
, nickname = Sunshine State
, image_map = Queensland in Australia.svg
, map_caption = Location of Queensland in Australia
, subdivision_type = Country
, subdivision_name = Australia
, established_title = Before federation
, established_ ...
, coastal and highland regions of New South Wales, and south-eastern Victoria.
Conservation status
''Litoria verreauxii verreauxii'' is widespread and common across eastern Australia. ''L. v. alpina'', though, has a very restricted range and has suffered significant declines population; it is currently listed as endangered.Evolution
''L. verreauxii'' is one of the classic examples of speciation by reinforcement. Future research into congener hybridisation andgene flow
In population genetics, gene flow (also known as gene migration or geneflow and allele flow) is the transfer of genetic material from one population to another. If the rate of gene flow is high enough, then two populations will have equivalen ...
may find such occurring, and may find countervailing reinforcement
In behavioral psychology, reinforcement is a consequence applied that will strengthen an organism's future behavior whenever that behavior is preceded by a specific antecedent stimulus. This strengthening effect may be measured as a higher fr ...
mechanisms at work.
Description
''L. v. verreauxii'' is light brown to red brown above, with an often indistinct, broad, darker patch starting between the eyes and continuing over the back. A dark band starting at the nostril runs across the eye and down to the shoulder, underlined by a white line starting at the mouth. The thighs and backs of the legs are red with small black spots, with some larger black spots present on the fronts of the thighs.
''L. v. alpina'' is mostly green on the dorsal surface with two brown bands running parallel to each other down the back. These bands start at the eye and are separated by a narrow band of green. The thighs and backs of the legs are the same as above. The belly of both subspecies is white. Both reach a maximum size of about .
Ecology and behaviour
Verreaux's tree frog inhabits swamps, dam impoundments, and creeks in woodland, farmland, forest and cleared land. Males call from pond-side vegetation or from the ground all year round, but calling intensifies during autumn and spring and after rain. As its name implies, this frog makes a whistling noise. The alpine tree frog inhabits alpine ponds and pools of creeks in moorland, alpine forest and partly cleared land. Males have a similar call as above and call from beside thebreeding
Breeding is sexual reproduction that produces offspring, usually animals or plants. It can only occur between a male and a female animal or plant.
Breeding may refer to:
* Animal husbandry, through selected specimens such as dogs, horses, and rab ...
sites during spring and summer.
Chytrid fungus is believed to be partly responsible for the decline of the alpine subspecies.
As a pet
It is kept as a pet; in Australia and New Zealand, this animal may be kept in captivity with the appropriate permit.References
Further reading
*Anstis, M. 2002. ''Tadpoles of South-eastern Australia''. Reed New Holland: Sydney. *Robinson, M. 2002. ''A Field Guide to Frogs of Australia''. Australian Museum/Reed New Holland: Sydney.Frog Australia Network - Alpine Tree Frog
frog call available
Frogs Australia Network - Whistling Tree Frog
frog call available
Article Road: List of All Frog Breeds: Things You Can Do to Ensure Your Frog Has a Long, Happy and Healthy Life: Whistling Tree Frog
{{Taxonbar, from=Q2044526 Litoria Amphibians of Queensland Amphibians of New South Wales Amphibians of the Australian Capital Territory Amphibians of Victoria (Australia) Amphibians described in 1853 Frogs of Australia