(don't forget to collect the clues to GC2PZKF The
Rarest Frog of All)
Hamilton's Frog
(Leiopelma
hamiltoni)
Hamilton’s frog is one of the rarest frogs in the world,
with a population of less than 300 animals. Fossil records
show it was once spread from Waikato to Punakaiki, but now it is
only found on a small area of rocky ground on the summit of
Stephens Island in the Cook Strait. Being adapted to live on rocky
ground, the hind feet have almost no webbing. Grows up to 50mm
long, larger than both L. hochstetteri and L.
archeyi.
Recent conservation measures have resulted in a number of frogs
being translocated to one of the inner Chetwode Islands. The IUCN
lists this species as Endangered. There is no webbing on their feet
or hands. They are very similar to Leiopelma pakeka and up
until recently they were thought to be the same species. However,
in 2001 scientists using molecular techniques, found little
variation between the two taxa and although favor keeping them as
one species, they suggested treating them as 'evolutionary
significant units'. They look almost identical to Leiopelma
pakeka but are slightly larger.
Cache is suitably cammoed, no room for swaps, please bring your
own pen.
(Once you've found all the clues, head to GC2PZKF to solve the
mystery.)