Two new frog species discovered in Australia

For most herpers, Australia represents a glorious place of wide biodiversity and well loved species of reptiles. Now they have two more to add to that list.

Two amazing new species of boulder-dwelling frogs have been discovered by researchers exploring remote areas of Cape York Peninsula in North East Australia. Both frogs have now been named. The first is the called Kutini boulder frog (Cophixalus kulakula). The species name kulakula translates as ‘rocky place', and is a traditional name for the area where the species was discovered. The species name of the second frog, the golden-capped boulder frog (Cophixalus pakayakulangun, translates as ‘belonging among the boulders'. Both names are derived from the local Kuuku Ya'u language and were formulated in consultation with indigenous custodians of the lands on which the frogs were discovered. The frogs are interesting in that they are restricted to piles of massive boulders ‘hidden' in the rainforest. They are adapted to their rocky world in having long arms, long slender fingers and big triangular finger pads. These features enable them to climb among the labyrinth of rocks in which they live.

To read the full article, click here. Photo of the The newly discovered golden-capped boulder frog.