Page 28 - World of Animals - Issue #29

50

FABULOUS

FROGS

From the most beautiful to the most deadly, discover

50 of the world’s most fascinating frogs and why
they’re leaps and bounds ahead of the competition

Words Adam Millward
When it comes to the animal kingdom, there’s nothing we to hop and jump rather than walk is another tell-tale sign
like more than to lump together creatures into clear-cut of a frog, but where does that leave the ones that would

groups, each defined by ‘rules’ based on their biology and rather fly (see number 36)?
behaviour. Most of the 6,500 or so known frog species One thing that does hold true for all frogs is that
happily indulge our whim for instant categorisation. they should never be underestimated. Take the cheerful
For instance, the majority will never venture far from a chap on the opening page. Don’t be fooled by his
water source, owing to their permeable skin which means sunny disposition; if you were to kiss this fella in search
they require regular hydration. That said, there is one of a prince, it could be the last thing you ever did. The
frog that can go for years without water in the Australian strawberry poison dart frog belongs to the Dendrobatidae
outback (see frog number 47). Most have smooth skin, family, a group which includes some of the most toxic
apart from the non-conformist Vietnamese frog with creatures on Earth.
spines (see number 42), or dry, bumpy-skinned toads, of So forget everything you thought you knew about
course (yes, toads are just another class of frogs as far as frogs, as we introduce you to 50 that prove there’s far
taxonomists are concerned). Others cite that a preference more to Kermit than meets the eye.

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