Water-holding frog

The water-holding frog is characterised as having a broad and slightly flattened head that is greater in width than length. They have dorsally tilted eyes that are more prominent to the top of their heads, which makes them distinguishable from other similar species Their arms and hindlimbs are short and they have extensively webbed toes that increase the surface area of their feet enabling them to swim quickly underwater to hunt for prey and escape predators. The undersides of both back feet have a metatarsal tubercle, which is a small ridge that functions like a shovel and is used to dig. Their bodies are thick and range in colour from olive and dull yellow and grey to dark brown with white underbellies. Colouration varies across population distributions and habitat types, and some may have smooth skin, whereas others may be more granular and finely speckled. The tadpoles of this species are initially a translucent gold colour, with alternating gold and black patches along their tail muscle. == Distribution and habitat ==

The water-holding frog is endemic to Australia and has populations present in all Australian states and territories excluding Victoria and Tasmania. and prone to flooding. == Behaviours and adaptations ==

Water-holding frogs are ectothermic, Their burrows are usually in clay soils near roots of vegetation and their oxygen consumption has been found to reduce by 70% compared to when they are above ground. == Reproduction ==

Sexual maturity is reached by females when they grow to a length of 48-50mm, whereas males reach sexual maturity and have mature sperm at a smaller length of 34mm. The metamorphosis of their tadpoles commonly takes around 40 days but can take as little as 14 days. Once they reach their maximum length, they begin to form abdominal body fats. A study of gametogenesis in water-holding frogs has indicated that not all eggs of females are released at once and can be stored over winter. It also proved that males have mature sperm all year round and production is continuous but slower in winter. The ability to store and continuously produce gametes is beneficial as the onset and duration of rainfall is unpredictable. It is not common for breeding to occur in winter but may if conditions are suitable. == Diet ==

The diet of water-holding frogs is broad and ranges from worms and insects to tadpoles and other small frogs. On dry land they will also feed on ants and termites. == Predation and threats ==

Predators of the water-holding frog includes snakes, birds and monitor lizards. Other threats to this species include climate change and habitat loss through land clearing and the associated salinity, but the extent of which is yet to be determined. The species was assessed in 2020 for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and has been listed as least concern as they have stable and widespread populations. == Human interaction ==

Indigenous Australians would utilize the frog's ability to store water. When slightly squeezed the frog releases its stored water from its skin pockets and bladder. This water is safe to be consumed and Indigenous Australians would dig the frogs from their burrows and then drink the fresh water they released. The frog is then released with no direct harm caused to the amphibian. However, during dry seasons, the loss of water reserves will lessen their chances of survival and they may die. ==See also==