Archaic, terrestrial Hamilton's frogs (Leiopelma hamiltoni) display arboreal behaviours

New Zealand has three species of endemic amphibians in the genus Leiopelma, all of which are threatened with extinction. The primary threats to their persistence are mammalian predators and habitat loss, and the translocation of these frogs into restored habitat is a common method of conservation. The Maud Island frog (Leiopelma hamiltoni), is considered terrestrial with habitat needs centering on complex boulder-strewn habitat. However, during recent surveys of a translocated population, we found repeated use of arboreal habitat within this species. Further, trail camera observations made several months later confirm this habitat use to persist across seasons. While the function of this arboreal behaviour is unknown, it suggests Maud Island frogs use more complex, vertical habitat than previously thought, which should be considered in future conservation efforts.

Automated summary

New Zealand has three species of endemic amphibians in the genus Leiopelma facing extinction due to threats from mammalian predators and habitat loss. Research on the Maud Island frog revealed unexpected arboreal habitat use, indicating a need to consider more complex, vertical habitats in conservation efforts.