Water-holding Frog
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Cyclorana platycephala or the Water-holding Frog
This species is a member of a group of burrowing frogs. The water-holding frog occurs in a wide range of habitats from coastal floodplains, wet scrub and forests, woodlands and grasslands. During the dry season, these frogs remain in a burrow in the soil. The summer rains wake these animals from their sleep and allows them to breed and feed. During this time they shelter under rocks or vegetation by day, and are active by night. Because the wet season lasts for only a few months, the Water-holding Frog must breed quickly and then eat enough prey (such as insects and worms) to restore their energy sources for the next dry season.
To help them conserve water when buried, the Water-holding Frog sheds the outer layer of their skin to form a water-tight cocoon around their body. Their round bodies (Cyclorana means 'round frog') serves to reduce their surface area, which also helps them reduce water lost through evaporation. Because of these unique adaptations, water-holding frogs can survive buried underground for years, only emerging when conditions are right. The tadpoles of this species are large, fast growing and very competitive. This helps ensure that only the strongest tadpoles survive to become adults.
Did you know...
- This species is a member of a group of burrowing frogs. During the dry season, these frogs remain buried in the soil; they only emerge after rain.
- To help them conserve water when buried, the Water-holding Frog sheds the outer layer of their skin to form a water-tight cocoon around their body.
- Their round bodies (Cyclorana means 'round frog') serves to reduce their surface area, which also helps them reduce water lost through evaporation.
- Because of these unique adaptations, water-holding frogs can survive buried underground for years, only emerging when conditions are right.
Range of Water-holding Frogs across Australia:
