An Indonesian-American scientific team discovered small frogs with fangs weighing no more than two grams in the volcanic highlands of Indonesia's Sulawesi Island. According to the journal PLOS ONE, these frogs belong to the species Limnonectes phyllofolia, characterized by their small size and belonging to egg-laying species.
The researchers found these frogs while studying tropical forests, where they discovered their eggs on tree leaves and moss-covered rocks, an unusual occurrence as frogs typically lay their eggs in water. Later, the researchers observed small, speckled brown frogs, roughly the size of a coin, guarding their nests. Notably, male frogs take care of the eggs and tadpoles by covering them with special compounds to protect them from drying out and bacteria.
These frogs feature small teeth in the upper jaw and tiny fangs in the lower jaw. It is noted that several frog species in Southeast Asia possess fangs used for self-defense and territory protection, as well as for hunting. Studies have shown that "frog teeth have evolved independently at least four times." Similar frogs have previously been found in Cambodia, Vietnam, West Africa, and South America.
Additionally, scientists recently discovered frogs in Rwanda that emit sounds resembling the noise made by children's toys, living at altitudes of about 2 kilometers above sea level.
