Solomon Island Leaf Frogs

Physical Description: 

The SILF’s are a medium sized frog about 3 inches long. They have a triangular head and mottled camouflage appearance to help blend in with the surrounding leaves. 

Predators: 

Common predators are birds, snakes, some mammals, and other amphibians (including SILFs).  

Lifespan: 

SILF’s can live up to 5 to 10 years in the wild. Under human care they can live up to 15 years of age.  

Reproduction: 

SILFs reproduce through direct development, meaning there is no tadpole stage. The males will call to attract the females who will then lay pea-sized eggs in shallow pits dug at the base of trees. After about 30 days of incubation, the eggs will hatch into miniature fully formed frogs.  

Fun Facts: 

The ridges on their bodies give them the appearance of leaves making them a master at camouflage.  

They do not go through a tadpole stage like most frogs do. 

The males call sounds like a dog’s bark which they use to attract females and claim territory.  

Conservation Messaging: 

Purposeful Pet Ownership 

Solomon Island Leaf Frogs are being exported in large numbers from the islands to the illegal pet trade to the point that the Solomon Island government is formulating legislation to control export of this frog. Often times these exotic pets are taken out of their natural habitat to be sold in the pet trade, which can be detrimental to wild populations. One more exotic pet in captivity is one less animal in the wild, which is resulting in species population numbers to drop drastically. Be sure to fully research any pet before buying one. While you may think an amphibian would make a cool pet, it’s important to know all of the care that goes into providing that animal with the best possible welfare. It is important to make sure that if you do buy an exotic pet that you are buying it from a reputable breeder, someone who knows how to properly care for the animal and hasn’t taken that animal from its natural habitat.