Portal:Australia/Featured article/Week 12, 2006



White's Tree Frog is a species of tree frog native to Australia and New Guinea, with introduced populations in New Zealand and the United States. The species belongs to the genus Litoria, and is physiologically similar with some other species of the genus; particularly the magnificent tree frog and the giant tree frog. White's Tree Frog is a large species compared with most Australian frogs, reaching 10 cm in length. The average lifespan of the species in captivity, about 16 years, is long in comparison with most frogs. White's Tree Frogs are docile and well-suited to living near human dwellings. They can be heard calling in downpipes and tanks throughout their region, and are often found on windows or inside houses, eating insects drawn by the light. Due to its physical and behavioural traits, White's tree frog has become one of the most recognized frogs in its region and a popular exotic pet throughout the world. The skin secretions of the frog have antibacterial and antiviral properties that may prove to be useful to the pharmaceutical industry.