Lake Titicaca Frog
Telmatobius culeus
Conservation Status
EndangeredAmphibia · Anura · Telmatobiidae
About
Telmatobius culeus, commonly known as the Titicaca water frog or Lake Titicaca frog, is a medium-large to very large and endangered species of frog in the family Telmatobiidae. It is entirely aquatic and found only in the Lake Titicaca basin, including rivers that flow into it and smaller connected lakes like Arapa, Lagunillas and Saracocha, in the Andean highlands of Bolivia and Peru. In reference to its loose skin, it is sometimes jokingly referred to as the Titicaca scrotum frog.
Fun Fact
The Lake Titicaca frog has extremely baggy skin to absorb enough oxygen from the cold, oxygen-rich lake water — it never needs to surface to breathe.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found only in the Lake Titicaca basin, including rivers that flow into it and smaller connected lakes like Arapa, Lagunillas and Saracocha, in the Andean highlands of Bolivia and Peru.
Diet
Feeds on amphipods (especially Hyalella) and snails (especially Heleobia and Biomphalaria), but other food items are insects and tadpoles.
Lifespan
20 years
Threats
- Chytridiomycosis (Bd)
- Water Pollution and Hypoxia
- Overharvesting for Food and 'Frog Juice' Trade