Kimberley Spadefoot

Notaden weigeli Shea & Johnston 1987

Species Info Card | Updated 1 decade ago

A large and relatively long-legged Notaden species with raised tubercles on the skin. The back is an orangey-red with numerous white-tipped orange tubercles and indistinct grey-green patches; face grey with white tubercles; belly grayish.

Breeding Biology

Males have been observed calling singly on rock outcrops. Mating pairs likely deposit their eggs among several rock pools. Nothing is known of the tadpole phase.

Habitat

Acid sands associated with sandstones and supporting tussock grasses (Triodia and Plectrachne), eucalypts and Acacia.

Etymology

Named for John Weigel of the Australian Reptile Park in Gosford NSW who was on the trip when the type series of this species was collected.

General

This large charasmatic frog species is odd for several reasons, including its preference for rocky areas over sand as for the other three species in the genus. Its defensive repertoire includes lowering the head and raising the hind quarters; loud crying sounds and erratic movements also serve to deter predators.

North-west Kimberlely endemic. Known from Mitchell Plateau, Prince Regent River Nature Reserve and inland and south to Mount Elizabeth Station.

A loud 'whoop' as for other members of the genus.