Gastrotheca – Marsupial frogs

One of the most unique and fascinating groups of amphibians in the world. These frogs are native to Central and South America, especially in the Andes Mountains, where they live in cool, moist environments like cloud forests and high-elevation grasslands. What sets Gastrotheca apart from other frogs is their remarkable method of reproduction. The females have a special pouch on their backs, similar to a kangaroo’s, where they carry their eggs. After mating, the male helps place the fertilized eggs into this pouch, and the female carries them for several weeks or even months. Depending on the species, the young may hatch as tiny froglets or, in some cases, as tadpoles that are later released into the water. This back-carrying strategy offers protection from predators, extreme weather, and drying out, making it a brilliant evolutionary adaptation in places where water may be limited or seasonal.

Physically, Gastrotheca frogs vary quite a bit in size and color, with some species being small and cryptic while others are larger and more colorful. Their skin can be green, brown, gray, or a mix of colors, often with blotches or patterns that help them blend into leaves, moss, and tree bark. This camouflage is essential for survival in the wild, especially since many species are nocturnal and rely on staying hidden during the day. Some species even have expanded toe pads for climbing, making them well-suited to life in the trees. Others are more terrestrial, hopping among rocks and plants on the forest floor.

Like many amphibians, frogs in the Gastrotheca genus are sensitive to environmental changes. Because they absorb water and oxygen through their skin, they’re especially vulnerable to pollution, climate change, and the spread of deadly diseases like chytridiomycosis, which has devastated amphibian populations around the world.