The Leopard' Frog

Tiny Santa Fe Frog ('Leopard' Frog)

The Tiny Santa Fe Frog, also known as the 'Leopard' frog, is an ancestral species of Dry Chaco Forest.

The Dry Chaco is the driest forest region in the world. The Dry Chaco Forest is located in the western part of Paraguay, southeastern Bolivia, and northwestern Argentina. The Grand Chaco is the original name of this forest that spans three countries. But the extremely dry climate of the region gradually gave the region the name Dry Chaco.  

In this forest area, there is a species of baby frog that is almost unknown to the research world. The Tiny Santa Fe Frog is also known as the 'Leopard' Frog. Although this species of frog was discovered a century ago, scientists still do not know much about this species of frog. There is a special center in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, to study only this frog.

In the latest study, researchers are trying to find an answer to a long-standing question. But this study was not easy at all. This team of researchers found these frogs and studied them because they outlive venomous snakes and the 50-degree Celsius scale. Finding these frogs is not an easy task as they are nocturnal and their habitat is shrinking. They are called leopard print frogs because they have spots on their body similar to those of tigers. It is this colorful body of them that helps to observe them at night. In addition to attracting mates, the sound they make loudly has also been useful for researchers.

These frogs live underground and come out at night. When the male frogs find their mates, they go to the nest soon. It was during this observation that I found the habitat of frogs hiding in the mud under the dry leaves and sticks. Eggs and tadpoles live deep underground. When the site was dug at night, the researchers found the eggs of frogs and tadpoles in the dwelling. This was the first time information was available on the reproduction of leopard frogs. The study and research done now will help the researchers in their efforts to ensure the protection of these frogs.

This area is also nicknamed as hell on Earth as it feels hot even above 50 degrees Celsius during the day. Rain is available here only very rarely during the year. With the help of local residents, researchers are making vigorous efforts to control frog poaching in this region. For this, they are trying to secure the help of the local administrators.