Rare Vietnamese frogs

15.03.2016 23:00

These extremely rare frogs which look like they are covered in moss have been bred in a UK wildlife park.

The eight new Vietnamese Mossy Frogs are being looked after by the reptile team at Cotswold Wildlife Park, Burford, Oxfordshire.

Having only recently changed from tadpoles to froglets, the tiny creatures are being kept in a special incubation room in the reptile house.

Females of the species are larger than the males and can grow to a top size of around 9cm, or 3.5in.

Mossy Frogs have been described as having one of the 'best camouflages' of the amphibian world.

Covered with mottled green and brown skin, the Vietnamese animals are almost indistinguishable from lumps of moss.

The species has been listed as 'threatened' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the frogs are currently protected by the Vietnamese government.

Cotswold Wildlife Park spokeswoman Debbie Ryan said: 'This is the first time the species has been successfully bred at the park.

'The froglets are currently under the watchful eye of the dedicated reptile team, along with several tadpoles yet to metamorphosis.

'In scientific terms, these remarkable amphibians are a relatively recent discovery. Their first recorded sighting was in 1903.

'Originating from the steep mountain slopes of Northern Vietnam, due to their remote location, they have been out of reach for scientists and researchers for decades and very little is known about this species in the wild.'

She added: 'Their camouflage has been described as one of the best in the amphibian world and makes them almost indistinguishable from a lump of moss or lichen in the wild.

'When frightened, they curl into a ball and remain motionless, mimicking death to avoid further harm.'

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