description Philippine Flat-headed Frog Overview
The Philippine Flat-headed Frog (Barbourula busuangensis) is a strictly aquatic amphibian native to the islands of Palawan and Busuanga in the Philippines. It inhabits cool, clear, fast-flowing mountain streams where it absorbs much of its oxygen cutaneously due to its reduced lungs. The species exhibits an extremely flattened body and head, an adaptation that allows it to squeeze beneath rocks and avoid being swept away by strong currents. It is currently threatened by habitat loss, siltation, and pollution.
help Philippine Flat-headed Frog FAQ
Can the Philippine Flat-headed Frog breathe underwater?
The Philippine Flat-headed Frog has severely reduced lungs and relies heavily on cutaneous respiration, meaning it absorbs much of its oxygen directly through its skin. This adaptation allows it to thrive in the highly oxygenated streams it calls home.
Where is the natural habitat of the Philippine Flat-headed Frog?
This strictly aquatic amphibian is native only to the islands of Palawan and Busuanga in the Philippines. It requires cool, clear, fast-flowing mountain streams to survive and reproduce.
Does the Philippine Flat-headed Frog ever leave the water?
No, the Philippine Flat-headed Frog is a strictly aquatic amphibian that spends its entire life in the water. Its physical adaptations are entirely geared toward navigating fast-flowing streams rather than surviving on dry land.
What do Philippine Flat-headed frogs look like?
As their name suggests, the Philippine Flat-headed Frog features a distinctly flattened head and body, an evolutionary trait that helps reduce water resistance in fast-flowing streams. They also possess exceptionally reduced lungs compared to other frog species.
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