Giant burrowing frog

The giant burrowing frog, also known as the eastern owl frog, is a captivating large frog species native to the coastal regions of southeastern New South Wales and Victoria in Australia. These frogs can grow up to 10 cm in length and exhibit rough, bumpy skin in various colors. They flourish in sandstone heathland, dry and wet sclerophyll forests, and are especially noted for their remarkable burrowing abilities. Fascinatingly, their mating call resembles the hooting of an owl.

During the breeding season, male frogs call from their burrows near streams, particularly after heavy rainfall. They lay their eggs in burrows close to water bodies, and the tadpoles can take anywhere from 3 to 11 months to develop. The tadpoles of the giant burrowing frog are quite large, reaching up to 80 mm in size. This species is the largest frog found in Victoria and is often mistaken for the cane toad due to its size and bumpy skin.

You can spot these frogs at night along roads and walking tracks in their natural habitats after it rains. Unfortunately, their numbers have declined due to urbanization, and they are now primarily found in National Parks and State Forests.