Calyptocephallela gayi:
A giant frog species Calyptocephallela gayi is now losing ground in its native Chile as climate change and human intervention damage its habitat.
- It is one of the largest frogs in the world, growing up to over 30 cm (1 foot) in length and weighing up to 1 kg (2.2 lbs).
- It is also known as Helmeted Water Toad which hopped alongside dinosaurs and is considered a “living fossil”.
- It is a robust species with a broad head and large mouth. It is very large, and can reach a snout–to–vent length of up to 15.5 cm (6 in) in males and 32 cm (13 in) in females.
- They inhabit aquatic environments, such as lakes, rivers and ponds.
- They are found in the lowlands of Chile, up to 500 m in elevation.
- Conservation Status
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- Threats: Factors such as climate change, habitat interruption, environmental decline and pollution have all caused the Helmeted Water Toad’s numbers to dwindle.
