White’s Tree Frog Natural History
Size
The White’s Tree Frog can grow to between 7-11.5cm long, and weighs between 70-100g.
Habitat and Distribution
The nocturnal White’s Tree Frogs are a terrestrial species of frog that live in freshwater environments. They inhabit forests, shrubland, grassland and wetlands. They are native to Australia and southern New Guinea but have been introduced into New Zealand.
Age
The lifespan of one of these frogs is 16 years old but in captivity they have been known to live up to 20 years.
Diet
The White’s Tree Frog is typically insectivorous and usually eats moths, locusts and cockroaches. Although, they can also eat small spiders, mammals and even frogs when they are fully grown.
Groups and Breeding
The females release their eggs through a male’s sperm cloud and the then fertilised eggs sink to the bottom of the water. There can be between 150-300 eggs within a single clutch and they hatch within 28-36 hours. Like with all frogs, the tadpoles will go through metamorphosis (approximately 6 weeks) and turn into an adult frog.
Threats
The White’s Tree Frog is under threat from invasive species, pollution and is hunted for the international pet trade. The IUCN Red List classes this species as Least Concern.
Interesting Facts
The White’s Tree Frog is also known as the ‘Australian Green Tree Frog’ or the ‘Dumpy Frog’. Their skin has adapted to allow them to live in wet and drier seasons. When they feel threatened, they produce a very loud distress call.
The White’s Tree Frog During Your Day Out in Kent
The White’s Tree Frogs can be found in our new Reptile House next to the West African Dwarf Crocodile and opposite the Spectacled Caimans.