Brown Tree Frog

The brown tree frog is the smallest of New Zealand’s three naturalised Australian frogs and is widespread south of Taupō. It is grey-brown to dark brown with a dark stripe from nostril to armpit, a pale line below the eye and bright orange under the thighs; small toe pads aid climbing.

Introduced at Greymouth in 1875, it now occurs south of Taupō, including Rakiura/Stewart Island and Rēkohu/Chatham Island. It climbs low vegetation and gives a high cricket-like trill, breeding after rain throughout the year and eating small invertebrates.

Listen around vegetated ponds and damp gardens after rain, especially in the South Island.