New model of toad unveiled: frog

by JGordon on Jun. 23rd, 2008
in Diversity of Organisms

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How do we know that this isn't the Southern Sandhill Frog?: Because it has burrowed backwards, of course! A handsome toad, nonetheless.
Courtesy phyzomeThere’s big amphibian news this week. A brand new model of toad-looking frog was unveiled to the world on Friday: the Southern Sandhill Frog, of Australia’s Kalbarri sandhills.

Be sure not to confuse the Southern Sandhill Frog with the Northern Sandhill Frog, of Australia’s Kalbarri sandhills—the two have been distinct species for more than five million years, and the southern species is easily distinguished by its more “squashed in, munted face.”

Intensive linguistic research is ongoing as to just what the Aussies mean by “munted.”

A fun fact! Sandhill frogs burrow headfirst, as opposed to most Australian burrowing frogs, which burrow backwards! Talk about weird!