Another rare amphibian species in the vivarium
Chemnitz Zoo: Spotted tree toad moves in
A new rare amphibian species has moved into the vivarium at Chemnitz Zoo. After four loja marsupial frogs found a new home there in January, visitors can now admire six specimens of another new rarity: the spotted tree toad. Stuttgart and Chemnitz are the only institutions in Germany to keep this species. There are a total of seven facilities across Europe.
Similar to tree frogs, the spotted tree toad (Rentapia flavomaculata) has more or less pronounced finger discs, which indicates a climbing lifestyle. The skin glands behind the ears, the parotids, are typical of toads. Males and females differ not only in size. Females are larger and have smooth skin with yellow spots scattered over the body. The males are more uniformly coloured without distinctive patterns and have considerably more warts.
This frog species is native to Asia and is found in Malaysia and Thailand, specifically on the Malay Peninsula. As the spotted tree toad was only described as a separate species in 2020, nothing is yet known about its threat status. Previously, it was confused with the tree toad (Rentapia hosii).
The vivarium is one of the special features of Chemnitz Zoo, as it is home to around 80 different amphibian species. These include many rarities - species that are rarely exhibited in zoological institutions or can only rarely be found in the wild.
Opening hours of the zoo and wildlife park in February:
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., last admission 3 p.m.