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Cyclorana is a genus of frogs in the Hylidae family, and are found in most of Australia. Although classified in the Tree Frog family, this genus is entirely terrestrial and lack toe pads used for climbing by their arboreal relatives. The reasons for classifying them in the tree frog family is due to the similar skeletal structure of Cyclorana and the Litoria genus. There are also physical similarities with tadpoles of these genera.
This genus inhabits some the most arid zones of Australia, they are very well adapted to these areas. Some species in this genus will burrow under ground and remain in a dormant state for more than 5 years, in order to survive drought conditions. They have the ability to store large amounts of water in their bladder, they also form a "cocoon" around them in order to prevent further loss of water. This is why they are often called "Water Holding frogs".
These frogs only return to the surface to breed, and normally only after heavy summer rains. Eggs are normally laid in temporary water and tadpoles develop quickly to metamorphose before the water dries up.
Species
- Striped Burrowing Frog, Cyclorana alboguttata (Günther, 1867)
- Giant Frog, Cyclorana australis (Gray, 1842)
- Short-footed Frog, Cyclorana brevipes (Peters, 1871)
- Hidden-ear Frog, Cyclorana cryptotis (Tyler et Martin, 1977)
- Knife-footed Frog, Cyclorana cultripes (Parker, 1940)
- Long-footed Frog, Cyclorana longipes (Tyler et Martin, 1977)
- Daly Waters Frog, Cyclorana maculosa (Tyler et Martin, 1977)
- Main's Frog, Cyclorana maini (Tyler et Martin, 1977)
- Creek Frog or Small Frog, Cyclorana manya (Beurden et McDonald, 1980)
- New Holland Frog, Cyclorana novaehollandiae (Steindachner, 1867)
- Water-holding Frog, Cyclorana platycephala (Günther, 1873)
- Wailing Frog, Cyclorana vagitus (Tyler, Davies, et Martin, 1981)
- Rough Frog, Cyclorana verrucosa (Tyler et Martin, 1977)
"Cyclorana"