The Magnificent Tree Frog is a large (males 88-104mm) and handsome species characterized by having a large gland upon the entire dorsal surface of the head.

Its head and body are green and bear small, scattered sulphur-colored patches. The backs of the thighs are yellow or orange and the fingers and toes have large discs. The toes are webbed.

During the day the species enters caves or crevices beneath boulders or around buildings in the Kimberley (except the west). The call resembles that of closely related L. caerulea: a series of deep barks.

L. splendida is confined to the north-west of Western Australia and the adjacent margin of the Northern Territory. It can be confused with the closely related L. Caerulea.

Frogs are amphibians. All species of amphibians are vertebrate animals (i.e. they have a backbone) and are dependent on outside temperature for their body heat (meaning, they are cold-blooded or ectothermic). They have soft skins with a variety of glands which keep the skin moist. They produce toxic secretions to deter predators. Where limbs are present, they have typically four toes on the front limbs, and five on the hind ones. Most species require damp conditions or water to breed, and have gills in the larval stage.

In the late seventies and early eighties, scientists around the world noticed a sudden decline in the populations of frogs and other amphibians. At first, they thought these reductions were local variations and of little significance. It was only after the information was pooled that concern became widespread. In some cases the cause of the decline was obvious: things like drained breeding sites, changes in land use, acid rain, drought, salination and pesticides. Each of these elements has either killed frogs or tadpoles, or made it harder for frogs to breed.

Frogs need our help if they are going to survive. It is extremely important for us to know more about the health of our frog populations. Frogs are a very interesting group of animals in their own right -- they have been around for at least 180 million years -- and they breed in a variety of fascinating and bizarre ways. They also make a major contribution to our own well-being.

Not only are they important elements in many food chains valued by humans (for example, those of wetlands), but they are also good indicators of the health of the environment -- especially of walter quality and the levels of pesticides and other toxins present in various ecosystems.

There are more than 4,000 species of frogs worldwide, occurring on every continent except Antarctica, and on many many islands. About 200 are found in Australia.

References:

Barker, J., Grigg, G.C., Tyler, M.J., A Field Guide to Australian Frogs, Surrey Beatty & Sons, NSW, 1995

Robinson, Martyn, A Field Guide to Frogs of Australia: from Port Augusta to Fraser Island including Tasmania, Australian Museum and Need New Holland Publishers, 1998.