This lagoon and pond-dwelling tree frog species is known for its highly flexible limbs and opposable thumbs that it uses to smear a waxy substance that it secretes from its skin to protect it against the sun's powerful rays.
What is a waxy monkey tree frog?
The waxy monkey tree frog (Phyllomedusa sauvagii) is a distinctive amphibian belonging to the subfamily Phyllomedusinae within the family Hylidae.
Where do waxy monkey tree frogs live?
Native to South America, it inhabits regions of Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil. Its primary habitat is the Gran Chaco, a vast and seasonally dry forest and savanna ecosystem characterised by thorny vegetation and extreme temperature fluctuations.
How has it adapted to the climate?
Unlike many frogs that remain near water, the waxy monkey tree frog is a highly arboreal species, spending most of its life perched in trees and shrubs.
How does it protect its skin?
It is particularly adapted to dry conditions: to prevent dehydration under the harsh sun during dry seasons, the waxy monkey tree frog secretes a thick, waxy substance from its skin. It then carefully spreads this coating over its body using its supple joints – in a behavior rarely seen in other amphibians.
The natural opioid peptide dermorphin is found in the secretions of the waxy monkey leaf frog and is estimated to be about 40 times more powerful than morphine in its pain-relieving effects.
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Why is it called the waxy monkey tree frog?
The frog’s specialised hands are adapted for grasping branches, allowing it to climb and move deliberately through the treetops rather than relying on hopping. This unusual mode of locomotion is what inspired the “monkey” reference in its common name.
The frog’s highly flexible hind legs not only aid in navigating the treetops but are also used to spread its waxy secretions across the body, creating a protective coating against water loss.
The waxy monkey leaf frog also exhibits unusual movement behaviour for a frog – it moves in a deliberate, almost “monkey-like” climbing manner rather than hopping frequently, which gives rise to its common name.
What does the waxy monkey tree frog eat?
This species is nocturnal, becoming active at night to feed on a diet primarily composed of insects and other small invertebrates.
Because of its resilience to arid environments and its unique physiology, the waxy monkey tree frog has become a subject of scientific research. In a 2017 study by Queen's University Belfast, scientists found that the waxy monkey tree frog's skin secretion is a rich source of bioactive materials, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and anticancer peptides (ACPs).
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