Overview

• Scientists have discovered a new species of fanged frog, Limnonectes phyllofolia, on the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia, which is now the smallest known species of fanged frog.
• Unlike most frogs, these 'leaf-nesters' lay their eggs on leaves and mossy boulders above the ground, not in water.
• The frogs use their fangs to fight with other frogs and hunt shelled prey like giant centipedes and crabs.
• The male frogs of this species display uncommon behavior of guarding the eggs, which they keep moist and safe from bacterial and fungal contamination by coating them with certain compounds.
• The discovery underscores the importance of conserving tropical habitats, as most of the animals that live in places like Sulawesi are quite unique and habitat destruction is a major conservation issue.