Aubry’s tree frog

With sticky toe pads that act like suction cups, letting them cling to leaves even when upside down

Brian Gratwicke


Aubry’s tree frog

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With sticky toe pads that act like suction cups, letting them cling to leaves even when upside down

Population

A lively little amphibian from the rainforests of Central and West Africa, stretching across countries like Gabon, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It belongs to the group of tree frogs known for their climbing skills, and like its relatives, it has large toe pads that let it cling to leaves, branches, and other smooth surfaces. This frog is usually a light green to brown color, often patterned with darker blotches that help it blend perfectly into the lush foliage of its forest home. Its bright green eyes and expressive face give it a charming, almost cartoon-like look, which has made it a favorite for those lucky enough to spot it.

What makes Aubry’s tree frog especially interesting is its vocal personality. Males produce a series of distinctive, high-pitched calls that sound a bit like metallic “clicks” or chirps. These calls are used to attract females during the rainy season, when the frogs gather around puddles, ponds, or slow-moving streams. Their chorus is part of the rainforest soundtrack, and it can grow quite loud as dozens of males call at once, each hoping to stand out. Unlike ground-dwelling frogs that rely heavily on camouflage alone, Aubry’s tree frogs use both acoustic signaling and arboreal agility to survive and reproduce.

Their lifestyle is split between the trees and the water. During the day, they often rest quietly on leaves or twigs, blending into the greenery. At night, they become active hunters, feeding on insects like moths, beetles, and mosquitoes. Their excellent climbing ability lets them explore different layers of the forest, from near the ground to higher branches, giving them a wide range of foraging opportunities.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Angola
2013
Cameroon
2013
Central Af. Rep.
2013
Congo-Brazzaville
2013
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
2013
Equatorial Guinea
2013
Gabon
2013
Nigeria
2013

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No