• Background
• Characteristics

(Photo: FROGWATCH Resource Materials 1990)

The Water Holding Frog is probably the best example of a burrowing frog traditionally used by Aboriginals. This frog, like many burrowing frogs, spends the majority of its life underground. It seals itself in a water-proof cocoon made up of layers of shed skin. Water is stored in the bladder or in pockets under the skin, and a slight pressure applied by hand causes the frog to release this water. The water is very fresh and after a drink the frog is released unharmed. The frog has a distinctive flat head and small eyes. The colour of the skin ranges from a dull grey to dark brown or green. The toes are completely webbed.

Water Holding Frog distribution map

Size: Males 42-64 mm; Females 50-72 mm.

Habitat: Found in grasslands, temporary swamps, claypans, and billabongs. Its distribution is limited to the north of the State.

Breeding: Large amounts of spawn are laid in still water after floods. Tadpoles reach a maximum of 60 mm.

Advertisement call: A long, drawn out ‘maw-w-w-w…maw-w-w-w’.