How do frogs and toads deal with water loss?
Different species of frogs and toads have different ways of reducing water loss. Most frogs and toads live in habitats that provide access to some sort of water body. The frogs and toads will then spend time in the water ‘replenishing’ any water they have lost. However, there are some frogs and toads that have unique methods of dealing with water loss. For example, the Water-holding Frog from South Australia lives in the desert and spends most if its time underground. Because the desert is very dry, the frog seals itself in a water-proof cocoon it makes from laters of shed skin. Click here for more information. Another frog that has a unique way of reducing water loss if the the Giant Waxy Treefrog. This species lives high in the rainforest canopy where humidity levels may get relatively low. To reduce water loss, this species produces a waxy substance that it spreads over its skin.
