Leiopelma is a genus of small, terrestrial frogs belonging to the family Leiopelmatidae. This genus consists of four species that are native to New Zealand, making them the only surviving native frogs in the country. The name "leiopelma" is derived from the Greek words "leios," meaning smooth, and "pelmis," meaning sole of the foot, which refers to the frogs' characteristic smooth skin on the underside.
Leiopelma frogs are typically small, measuring around 3 to 5 centimeters in length. They have distinct round bodies with short limbs and sleek skin that aids in their burrowing and terrestrial lifestyle. These frogs are primarily nocturnal, active during the night and spending the day hidden under rocks, logs, or in burrows.
Leiopelma species are known for their distinctive mating behavior, which involves the males singing in chorus to attract females. The females then lay small clutches of eggs in moist environments, such as damp soil or leaf litter. Unlike most other frogs, Leiopelma females do not have a direct aquatic tadpole stage. Instead, the eggs hatch into froglets, bypassing the tadpole stage and minimizing their dependence on water.
Due to habitat destruction, invasive species, and predation from introduced mammals, all Leiopelma species are currently classified as endangered. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these unique frogs, including captive breeding programs and reintroduction into predator-controlled habitats.
