New Frogs On The Block - Mossy Frogs (Theloderma Corticale)

As part of the "NKOTB" series I have a more unusual new arrival to introduce you to. As usual the first pictures are rubbish but I hope to get some better ones soon.

It's easy to mistake these as a glump of moss or even a wet leaf but they are actually "Mossy Frogs". If they feel threatened they have been known to curl up in to balls and play dead to protect themselves from predators.

"Great Frogs - Shame about the Picture!"

 As you can guess they have this name as they resemble clumps of moss and use this to camouflage in to the background. These frogs are from Vietnam and parts of China and officially known as "Vietnamese Mossy Frogs".  They are a semi-aquatic frog so must have a water supply available at all times.   

El one of the technicians was given these frogs by a friend who was moving. Mossy frogs can be quite expensive at around £65 or more. They also require specialist housing and care so research any exotic species carefully before buying them. They would usually live in temperatures of 18-24 degrees Celsius and in the wild live at high altitudes and are keen tree climbers.

Our new residents are currently settling in and will be moved to our Aquatics rooms shortly. Lifespan in captivity is around 15 years so they are quite a long term commitment.

I will endeavour to get a better photo and let you know if we name them. I'm thinking Moss and Tree :)