What Is the Life Span for Frogs in the Rainforest?

A variety of frogs live in the rainforest, with many of them living from two to ten years. Often, the lifespan of rainforest frogs remains unknown, as their populations keep dwindling due to destruction of the rainforest. Unfortunately, a few get added to the endangered species list each year. A deadly fungus also reduces the populations, with only the most adaptable frogs thriving in the rainforest.

  1. Endangered

    • A number of frogs remain on the endangered species list, including the little waterfall frog, also known as the torrent tree frog. When disturbed, the little waterfall frog takes cover under rocks in waterfalls or disturbed water. Another frog on the endangered list is the whirring tree frog, which uses a whirring sound to attract a mate for breeding. The lifespan of these frogs remains unknown.

    Habitat Destruction

    • Some frogs, such as the tomato frog, remain on the endangered species list due to destruction of their habitat. The orangish-red frogs sport flattened heads and grow to three to five inches in length. If an animal or human touches or handles the tomato frog, it puts out a sticky skin secretion designed to deter predators. Tomato frogs stay buried in the soil during the day, coming out at night to hunt for insects. The frog lives up to ten years in the wild.

    Population Reduction

    • A fungus identified as Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis plays a role in population reductions of rainforest frogs around the world, with the common mist frog falling into the category of those affected. Found near the rainforest's freshwater streams, this small brown and tan frog with a blunt snout sits on boulders, making soft, persistent calls on warm, humid nights. Unfortunately, the species started disappearing in the 1980s, and its lifespan is unknown.

    Poisonous

    • Some frogs, such as the poison arrow frog, use poison to give them the advantage in the rainforest. A tiny brightly-colored frog, the poison arrow frog lives for up to five years. The bright colors advertise its poisonous nature so predators will know to avoid it. Indians coated the tips of their arrows with the poison from this frog. The arrows were then used to hunt birds or monkeys who became paralyzed when hit with one of the arrows. Another poisonous frog, the green and black frog of Brazil's rainforest, also uses a poison secretion to help it live up to 15 years.

    Adaptable Frogs

    • Some frogs are adapted to varying habitats, including the stony creek frog, also known as Lesuer's frog. This frog favors rocky streams both in rainforests and in dryer habitats. Unlike other frogs, stony creek frogs mate on the bottom of a stream and then make a nest in the sand and leaf litter along the stream. The frogs lay their eggs inside the nest to keep fish from eating the eggs. A big rain washes the eggs into the stream where they emerge as tadpoles. Stony creek frogs live to be up to 10 years old.