(don't forget to collect the clues to GC2PZKF The
Rarest Frog of All)
Maud Island Frog (Leiopelma
pakeka) - These frogs are
relatively large (up to 50mm long), and are generally dark
brown. Until recently, they were only found on Maud Island in
the Marlborough Sounds; however, some L. pakeka have been
translocated to several other predator-free islands in the
Marlborough Sounds. The latest estimate of the number of
individuals of this species is around 40,000.The IUCN lists this
species as Vulnerable, although it is listed as Nationally
Endangered.
In early 2006, 21 Maud Island frogs were released into the
introduced predator proof Karori Widlife Sancturary with more to
follow later in the year to make a total of 60. In February 2008,
13 froglets were discovered clinging to adult males, inside the
enclosure. They are nocturnal and catch their prey by grabbing it
with their mouth as they do not flick their tongues out like many
other frogs. Although these frogs have never been observed breeding
in the wild, Dr Ben Bell of Victoria University has made some
observations from an outdoor enclosure. He discovered that in
captivity frogs lay 1-19 eggs in December in moist depressions
under logs, rocks or vegetation.
The eggs are guarded by the male and take 14-21 weeks for the
eggs to develop. There is no free-swimming tadpole stage and the
young climb onto the dorsal surface of the male and continue their
development there. During this time they remain fairly inactive.
Cache is in a suitable camoflagued container, containing
logbook only. Please bring your own pen.
Very steep bank near GZ, be very careful if you have any
small cachere with you.
( Once you've found all the clues, head to GC2PZKF to solve the
mystery.)