Wallace's Flying Frog l Uniquely Odd

Wallace's Flying Frog, Rhacophorus nigropalmatus — Source: https://bit.ly/3jeOst7 Photo: Rushen CCL: https://bit.ly/3A69CiT

Wallace’s Flying Frog Facts

The very name of the stunning Wallace’s Flying Frog serves to indicate just how extraordinary it ranks. The common term derives partly from its unique ability, and also from the name of the individual that first discovered it. That was the British biologist, Alfred R. Wallace.
The generally used designation for this miniature marvel of Nature and evolution remains much easier to remember than its scientific name, however. That tongue-twisting term, typically only used by professionals, is that of the difficult term Rhacophorus nigropalmatus.
Not surprisingly, the moniker qualifies as somewhat misleading, since the animal does not actually fly. The creature does, however, glide short distances from tree to tree. Though not, again to one’s astonishment, the only known frog to possess this ability, it’s among the largest.
Lamentably, the exact extent of the population of the Wallace’s Flying Frog continues to elude researchers for the moment. This occurs due to the fact that sightings happen infrequently. Experts also remain undecided as to whether this indicates a small population or not.
It does inhabit a respectable range, though. For the moment, pending more information, the IUCN thus lists the remarkable and distinctive amphibian as Least Concern. This status, while subject to revision, presently appears on the organization’s Red List of Threatened Species.
The fascinating animal nonetheless faces several clear threats to its continued existence as a species. Ongoing habitat loss now represents an imminent danger to the marvel. Undoubtedly, is greatest peril, however, now comes in the form of the effects of escalating climate change.

Indian Bullfrog, Hoplobatrachus tigerinus — Indian Bullfrog

Southern Darwin's Frog, Rhinoderma darwinii — Indian Bullfrog

Wallace’s Flying Frog Physical Description

The impressiveness of the aptly-named Wallace’s Flying Frog does not originate solely with its aerial abilities, impressive though they appear. Its size and appearance both also serve to merit great interest in the wonder. In fact, the animal constitutes a slightly larger than average variety of frog.

It also follows a pattern of natural development shared by its numerous kindred around the world. That’s the fact that it displays a certain degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In its specific case, however, this trait manifests itself only in regards to physical size.

Like many amphibians, the females attain a greater average size than their male counterparts. Even for them, however, it’s not an especially large measurement, regardless of its other intriguing attributes. The females reach an average length of 3.9 in (10 cm), while males stay slightly smaller.

Most people generally consider the captivating Wallace’s Flying Frog to be highly photogenic, and rightfully so. The colors the animal presents, similar among the sexes, typically include a bright green on the back. It also, however, usually displays either yellow or a pale white on the underside.

This biological lwonder also evolved over-sized webbed feet that it utilizes to glide from tree to tree. The eyes of the animal, meanwhile, grow large, and possess striking horizontal pupils. Not stopping there, the species also has large toe pads, which help it cling to trees as it lands from its flight.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Rhacophoridae
Genus: Rhacophorus
Species: R. nigropalmatus

Wallace’s Flying Frog Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The remarkable Wallace’s Flying Frog evolved as indigenous to a moderately broad swathe of the surface of the earth. That’s especially true when compared to the ranges of related species. Precisely where that natural zone of habitation lies, though, probably won’t come as a surprise to many.

That’s because this intriguing creature developed as endemic to a specific portion of the greater area known as Asia. Within that wider range, however, it appears in a zone that stretches from the Malay Peninsula to western Indonesia. That area includes Malaysia, Borneo, and part of Thailand.

Within that somewhat extensive zone of habitation, though, this remarkable creation of Nature displays notably clear and specific preferences for where it appears. To the knowledge of researchers, it only inhabits regions of rainforest. Even there, though, it specifically limits its range.

To the knowledge of researchers, the amphibian does not reside at altitudes of greater than 1,970 ft (600 m) above sea level. Yet another habitat requirement remains the local presence of either small pools of fresh water or slow-moving streams. These it requires for its evolved breeding habits.

The stunning Wallace’s Flying Frog evolved as nocturnal in its behavioral patterns. It glides between the trees at night, in hunt of food. Being carnivorous in nature, it feeds primarily on insects like beetles, moths, and other small arthropods. Smaller invertebrates also occasionally make its menu.

Breeding activities typically take place in close proximity to small bodies of water. Females of the species later lay their eggs in foam nests attached to leaves above water. The tadpoles eventually drop into the water after hatching and complete their physical development to adulthood there.