| Litoria platycephala | |
|---|---|
| [1] | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Hylidae |
| Genus: | Litoria |
| Species: | L. platycephala |
| Binomial name | |
| Litoria platycephala Günther, 1873 |
|
Litoria platycephala (formerly Cyclorana platycephala), the Water-holding Frog, is a frog common to most Australian states. It differs from most other members of the Hylidae family as a ground dweller and the ability to estivate.
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The species has populations spread across all the Australian states except Victoria and Tasmania.[1] It occupies a wide range of habitat from forests of tropical swamp to intermittent pools and lowland grass country; all habitat is assumed to be of a low elevation. Populations are assumed to be large from frequent reports and a broad range. This range is assumed to overlap with National parks, but research has not been undertaken into the ecology and biology of the species. The water holding frog is known to lay its eggs and once hatched go back into aestivation for a period of 3 - 6 months. After this period it will lay more eggs and repeat the process
No threats have been identified, research into the extent of habitat loss through land clearing and the associated salinity is yet to be undertaken. The species is given Least Concern status at the IUCN Red List due to a wide range and large population.