Giant Frog
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[Photo] The Giant Frog (Cyclorana australis) of Australia. Date: dec 12th, 2006. Author: Damon Ramsey of www.educational-tours.com.au. Colors tweaked by Mats Halldin
The Giant Frog (Cyclorana australis) is a species of burrowing frog native to Australia. It occurs from western Queensland through to northern Western Australia.
Physical description
This is a large frog reaching up to 100 mm in length. They are variable in colour and patterning, adults range grey to dull pink to green or more commonly brown on the dorsal surface, occasionally with darker markings. The skin on the dorsum has low warts and two longitudinal skin folds with a second pair on the flanks. The belly is white and finely granular. There is a dark brown streak that starts from the tip of the snout and runs, through the tympanum and ends over the shoulder. There is a similar coloured bar under the eye and another that runs the length of the upper jaw. The tympanum is partially covered with a skin fold and is distinct. The back of the thighs range from flesh coloured to dark blue and the groin is a pale blue-green colour. The toes have a slight webbing and fingers are free from webbing.
Ecology and behaviour
This species inhabits floodplains, woodlands and grasslands. During the wet season it is commonly found during the day basking beside breeding sites, including temporary ponds, creeks or flooded areas. The males can be heard making a short "unk" sound from late November through to February. Eggs are laid in clumps of up to 7000 but more commonly 100 -1000. They sink soon after being laid.
Similar species
This species may be confused with New Holland Frog or the Striped Burrowing Frog. It can be distinguished from the Striped Burrowing Frog by the longitudinal skin folds and from the New Holland Frog by the colouration on the back of the thighs.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_Frog
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