(don't forget to collect the clues to GC2PZKF The
Rarest Frog of All)
Hochstetters Frog
(Leiopelma
hochstetteri)
Hochstetter’s Frog Leiopelma hochstetteri (VU) is
the more aquatic frog (albeit semi-aquatic) of the four living
species. It is widely distributed in at least 10 fragmented and
isolated populations in the northern half of the North Island. They
are nocturnal and shelter by day in wet crevices or under stones or
logs close to the water’s edge in shaded streams. Males of
this species exhibit sexual dimorphism in the form of more
muscular, robust forelimbs than females. This is another
distinctive trait, as the other three Leiopelma species
are not sexually dimorphic, apart from females reaching greater
body size. One of the main threats to this species is the
destruction and modification of its habitat, which is still
occurring either directly (e.g. afforestation, gold mining, storm
water discharge) or indirectly (e.g. feral goats and pigs causing
erosion leading to stream siltation). The New Zealand Department of
Conservation has purchased considerable amounts of suitable land to
prevent further degradation of some of their habitat, and attempts
are being made to better monitor their populations. This frog is
listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
Cache is suitably cammoed, with room only for a logbook. Please
bring your own pen.
Please respect the foliage, wouldn't want to damage the
habitat....
(Once you've found all the clues, head to GC2PZKF to solve
the mystery.)