Lake Titicaca Water Frog Telmatobius culeus
The Lake Titicaca Water Frog is native to the Lake Titicaca basin in Bolivia/Peru including the associated rivers and water bodies.
It is entirely aquatic. It has very loose skin and can grow to some 8-17cm head-body length (3-7inches). Outstretched length can reach 60cm.
The frog is endangered, having lost an estimated 80% of its population in 15 years, mainly through pollution,
human consumption and predation by introduced trout.
Captive populations are being bred in some American and European zoos to help to conserve the species.
(Photo above right shows laying of spawn.)
Above is a tadpole old enough to start growing its back legs.
Lake Titicaca Water Frog tadpole.
Frog, tadpole and spawn (eggs).
