Ranodea robusta

Detailed introduction

The Robust Bleating Tree Frog is a medium-sized, native Australian tree frog with a distinctive call, often considered to belong to the genus *Ranoidea robusta* (some literature still uses the older genus name *Litoria *). It belongs to the family Hymenopteridae and is named for the loud bleating sound of the males during the breeding season, which resembles the bleating of a lamb.

Classification and nomenclature

• Chinese reference name: Robust Bleating Tree Frog (name summarized using common translations);

• English name: Robust Bleating Tree Frog;

• Scientific name: Ranoidea robusta (some sources still use Litoria robusta );

• Family: Hylidae → Genus: Ranoidea

Appearance and Identification Features

The robust groin tree frog is more robust and sturdy in appearance than closely related species such as the slender groin tree frog.

• Size: Adults are typically 3–4.5 cm in length, with males being slightly smaller and females being more robust;

• Back color: The back is mostly grayish-brown, olive-brown or yellowish-brown, sometimes with a slight green tint, and usually has irregular dark spots or cloud-like patterns.

• Body shape: The body is relatively short and stout, with a wide head and a blunt snout, making it appear more robust compared to the "slender" tree frog.

• Limbs: The limbs are relatively strong, the hind limbs are well-developed, and the toes have obvious suction cups and some webbing, which are suitable for climbing and jumping among low vegetation and bushes.

• Abdomen: The abdomen is mostly milky white or light yellow, with a slightly rough texture;

• Back markings: Some individuals have dark stripes or irregular patches on their backs, and horizontal dark bands can be seen on their limbs;

• Tympanic membrane: The tympanic membrane is clearly visible and located behind the eye;

• Throat: Male frogs have well-developed vocal sacs in their throats, which inflate significantly into "balloons" when they call.

Distribution range and habitat

The strong bleating ram tree frog is a local tree frog in eastern Australia :

• They are mainly distributed in coastal and near-coastal areas such as southeastern Queensland and northeastern New South Wales;

• In some areas, its distribution partially overlaps with that of other species of the bleating tree frog.

Typical habitats include:

• Open woodlands, scrublands, farmland edges, and suburban gardens;

• Near still ponds, farm ponds, roadside puddles, swamps, and temporary storm drains;

• They typically inhabit low shrubs, reed beds, and waterside grasses, and are typical "adaptors to human-modified landscapes".

Lifestyle

The Strong-sounding Sheep Tree Frog is a nocturnal arboreal/semi-arboreal frog .

• During the day, they mostly rest in rocks, tree bark crevices, dense grass, or vegetation near water.

• They are most active from dusk to night, especially during the warm, humid season with frequent rainfall;

• They are adept at climbing and jumping, and are often found near waterside plants, fences, and places where lights attract insects near houses.

vocal characteristics

The call is one of the key characteristics that identifies the strong bleating horn tree frog:

• The male frog emits a series of high-pitched, short, and slightly "metallic" calls, which are described as "the bleating of a lamb" or "the mournful quacking of a quack."

• On rainy nights or during the breeding season, multiple male frogs gather around the water and sing in a loud chorus.

• Compared to its close relative, the slender-bodied tree frog, the call is usually more resonant and powerful.

feeding habits

Similar to other tree frogs in the family Rain Frogidae, the Strong Sheep Tree Frog primarily feeds on small invertebrates:

• Insects such as moths, beetles, crickets, and grasshoppers;

• Spiders and other arthropods;

• They often prey on nocturnal insects attracted to them near lights or on vegetation by water.

Reproduction and Development

Reproductive activity is closely related to rainfall:

• Their breeding season is mostly during the warm and rainy spring and summer.

• Male frogs call out to attract female frogs at the edges of water bodies such as ponds, ditches, and temporary water pits, or on aquatic vegetation.

• Female frogs lay their eggs in still water, and the eggs often appear as floating egg masses or attached to plants near the water surface.

• Tadpoles develop in water, and after completing the metamorphosis from tadpole to froglet, they crawl out of the water and live in the surrounding grass and bushes.

Protecting the status quo and threats

Based on current data, the Strong-sounding Tree Frog is still relatively common in its distribution area and is generally considered a species of low concern (close to Least Concern or Least Concern) on a global scale.

Potential threats include:

• Wetland landfill and water pollution have led to a reduction in breeding habitats;

• The potential effects of pesticides and chemicals on the health of tadpoles and adult frogs;

• Habitat fragmentation caused by localized urbanization.

Because of its ability to adapt to the human environment, the robust yakshorn tree frog can maintain a relatively stable population in many areas, provided that water bodies, vegetation are preserved and pollution is reduced.