Southern brown tree frog

The southern brown tree frog, also known as the brown tree frog, whistling tree frog, or Ewing's tree frog, is an intriguing species native to Australia. You can primarily find these frogs in southern Victoria, eastern South Australia, southern New South Wales, as well as Tasmania. Interestingly, they have also established a presence in New Zealand.

First described in 1841 by the French naturalists André Duméril and Gabriel Bibron, these frogs can grow up to 45 millimeters in length. They exhibit a range of colors, from pale to dark brown, and some even feature green hues or green stripes.

Highly adaptable, these frogs inhabit a wide variety of environments, including forests, farmlands, heathlands, suburban areas, and alpine regions. Their distinctive whistling call is commonly heard, particularly from males who frequently vocalize near water bodies such as ponds and ditches.

The breeding behavior of the southern brown tree frog is unique. They lay their eggs by wrapping them around submerged vegetation. An impressive survival adaptation of these frogs is their ability to freeze and still survive in harsh conditions.

If you're in Australia and considering keeping one as a pet, you're in luck! No wildlife license is required if you acquire them from a breeder. They are relatively easy to care for, requiring just a proper light cycle and a small water source since they enjoy spending time in trees.