Hula Painted Frog (Latonia nigriventer)

Common Name: Hula Painted Frog, Palestinian Painted Frog
Scientific Name: Latonia nigriventer
Family: Alytidae – Painted Frogs and Midwife Toad family
Location: Israel
Female Size: 2.7 – 5 inches (6.9 – 12.7 cm)
Male Size: 2.6 – 4.7 inches (6.7 – 11.9 cm)

The Hula Painted Frog was thought to be extinct before being re-discovered in 2011. Its is only found in the marshes surrounding Lake Hula in Israel.  The lakes and marshes were drained way back in the 50s which lead researchers to believe that the frog was extinct. The lake area has now become a reserve for wildlife which has helped the species recover. However, more work needs to be done to save the species.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assesses the Hula Painted Frog as Critically Endangered due to its extremely limited range and small population.

The Hula Painted Frog is the only living species in the genus Latonia. There are a few other species in the genus but they are all extinct and only known from fossils. The family Alytidae is very small itself, with only 12 members.

Much of the natural history of the frog is still a mystery. The species was only discovered in 1940 and then disappeared in the 50’s. That doesn’t leave that much time time to research the frog. Luckily, researchers are working to discover what they can about it now. They believe the frog breeds from mid February to mid September to due nuptial pads being found on males. These pads help the males hold the female during amplexus. The males of the species do call to attract females.