Vietnamese mossy frog
NOT ON EXHIBIT
Natural History
Camouflage keeps many animals safe from predators, but some say the camouflage of Vietnamese mossy frogs is the most elaborate in the animal kingdom. Its uneven texture of bumps, along with the red, green and black montage of colors, appears to transform this frog into a clump of moss or lichen—blending flawlessly with its habitat. When frightened they fold into a ball and play dead. These frogs have sticky discs at the end of each toe, making them skillful tree climbers. Large eyes give them a broad range of vision.
Conservation
The World Conservation Union (IUCN) states: "Clearcutting at Mao Son has reduced the available habitat for this species." Additionally, this is one of the few regional frog species for which there is a specific demand in the global pet trade.
Mossy tree frogs are protected by the Vietnamese government.
Cool Facts
The female lays a small mass of eggs on rocks or vegetation just above the water. After the eggs hatch, the larvae fall into the water directly below. Metamorphism from a tadpole to a frog takes about a year.
A frog has no hard palate. To swallow food, it pulls its eyes down into the roof of its mouth which helps push food down its throat.
Frogs are the first creatures to have vocal cords.