№ 93 of 100
Archey's Frog
Leiopelma archeyi
A frog from the age of dinosaurs — they have no tadpole stage, no croak, and fathers carry froglets on their backs.
- Range
- New Zealand
- Region
- Oceania
- Habitat
- Misty native forest of the Coromandel Peninsula and Whareorino, North Island
The story
Archey's frog is ranked the world's most evolutionarily distinct amphibian, a living line 200 million years old. They hatch as a fully formed froglet and climb onto their father's back; predator control and a captive colony guard a lineage older than the islands they live on.
What's killing them
- Introduced rats and pigs
- Chytrid fungus
- Mining proposals on Coromandel habitat
- Tiny fragmented range
Who's fighting for them
NZ Dept. of ConservationNew Zealand Department of Conservation
ZSL EDGEZoological Society of London — EDGE of Existence
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Quick answers
How many Archey's Frogs are left in the world?
Approximately Unknown — two small populations. The Archey's Frog (Leiopelma archeyi) is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and their population trend is stable. Figures are estimates compiled from the IUCN Red List and conservation organisations.
Where does the Archey's Frog live?
The Archey's Frog is found in New Zealand (Oceania). Their habitat: Misty native forest of the Coromandel Peninsula and Whareorino, North Island.
Why is the Archey's Frog endangered?
The main threats to the Archey's Frog are: Introduced rats and pigs; Chytrid fungus; Mining proposals on Coromandel habitat; Tiny fragmented range.
Who is working to save the Archey's Frog?
Organisations working on Archey's Frog conservation include New Zealand Department of Conservation; Zoological Society of London — EDGE of Existence.