Magnificent Tree Frog

Magnificent Tree Frog
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Hylidae
Genus:	Litoria
Species:	L. splendida
Binomial name
Litoria splendida Tyler, Davies & Martin, 1977
Distribution of the Magnificent Tree Frog

The Magnificent Tree Frog or Splendid Tree Frog (Litoria splendida) is a tree frog species that was first described in 1977. It has a limited range, only occurring on the north-western coast of Australia in the Northern Territory and Western Australia. It has a similar appearance to, and can be confused with, the closely related White's Tree Frog.

Physical description

A juvenile Magnificent Tree Frog, before the development of large parotoid glands.

The Magnificent Tree Frog is a relatively large tree frog, with the males reaching a length of 10.4 centimetres (4.1 in) and the females 10.6 centimetres (4.2 in). They have an olive to bright green dorsal surface with a white ventral surface. The undersides of the feet and legs are bright yellow. Most specimens will have white or sulphur-coloured dots on their back, of varying densities. The older Magnificent Tree Frogs can be distinguished from White's Tree Frogs with the presence of very large parotoid glands, which cover the entire top of the head and droop over the tympanum. The tympanum is large, almost the size of the eye, and partially obscured by the parotoid gland.

Ecology and behaviour

The Magnificent Tree Frog is native to the Kimberley region of Western Australia, and as such, will enter caves and rock crevices during the day. Much like the other large tree frogs in Australia, White's Tree Frog and the Giant Tree Frog, it will inhabit areas near humans, and can be found around buildings and in toilets, showers and water tanks. They are nocturnal, and will hunt and breed at night.

Breeding probably takes place during the wet season. The male's call is very similar to that of White's Tree Frog, a deep "crawk-crawk-crawk" repeated many times. The breeding habits of the Magnificent Tree Frog have not been extensively studied.

As a pet

It is kept as a pet, in Australia this animal may be kept in captivity with the appropriate permit.

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References

• Hero & Roberts (2004). Litoria splendida. 2006. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. www.iucnredlist.org. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is of least concern
• Barker, J.; Grigg, G.C. & Tyler, M.J. (1995). A Fiesld Guide to Australian Frogs. Surrey Beatty & Sons. ISBN 0-949324-61-2. 
• "Frogs Australia Network - Australian Frog Database - Litoria splendida - Magnificent Tree Frog". http://frogsaustralia.net.au/frogs/display.cfm?frog_id=186. Retrieved 2006-06-02. 
• "Frogs Australia Network > Litoria splendida / Magnificent Tree Frog". http://frogs.org.au/frogs/species/Litoria/splendida. Retrieved 2006-06-02. 
• Article Road: List of All Frog Breeds: Things You Can Do to Ensure Your Frog Has a Long, Happy and Healthy Life: Magnificent Tree Frog
• Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, New South Wales: Amphibian Keeper's Licence: Species Lists