28/12/2018
We have some new residents at the zoo! They are located in the farmyard barn area. Why not call in this weekend and see them! 🐸🐸🐸
Golden bell frogs - Introduced to New Zealand from Australia in the 1860’s they are found on the North Island of New Zealand only, attempts were made to establish populations on the South Island but the climatic conditions do not suit them it appears! They are commonly found perched on aquatic vegetation, fallen logs or branches near shallow, sunny ponds. They are brilliantly coloured; green with gold or bronze running through in patches. The back of their thighs and groin area are bright blue and the belly cream or white. Their front feet are not webbed but their back feet are and they have suckers for climbing on all toes. The males are generally smaller than females, average length 60mm with females being closer to 90mm. Males frogs croak, females don’t. They catch their prey by pouncing, with mouth open, pinning them down with their muscular, sticky tongue. Flies, moths, slaters, mosquito larvae are their preferred foods.
They are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of endangered species. The population in Australia and New Zealand is declining due to a viral infection of frogs called Chytrid fungus.
