Uperoleia gurrumuli
Gurrumul's Toadlet
Conservation Status
Calling Period
Description
One of Australia's most poorly known frog species, with only three confirmed individuals seen by scientists, all in 1993. Described as new to science in 2021 and named after Dr. Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu. A small frog, reaching about 3cm in body length, and rotund with short legs. It has a large gland covering each ear. Its hands and feet are not webbed, and it does not have toe pads. There are no known photographs of this species in life, so its colouration is not well known, but it has contrasting colouration on the thighs.
Breeding Biology
This species' breeding biology and even its call are unknown. Likely breeds in the wet season (about November to April) in still water.
Similar Species
Looks very similar to other Uperoleia. May not be able to be distinguished from Uperoleia crassa by appearance alone, but can be distinguished from Uperoleia lithomoda by having rounded inguinal glands (versus long thin glands). May have a different call to similar species, but its call is still unknown.
Images
Photo: Renee Catullo
Photo: Renee Catullo
Calls
Distribution
Only known from Martjanba, Guluwurru, Rarrakala, and Djirrkari Islands in the Wessel Island chain, off the northeast corner of Arnhem Land, in the Northern Territory.