Rare Blue Magnificent Tree Frog Discovered in Australia’s Kimberley Region

In Western Australia’s Kimberley region, ecologists from the Australian Wildlife Conservancy found a rare blue Magnificent Tree Frog at Charnley River-Artesian Range Wildlife Sanctuary. Jake Barker, one of the ecologists, spotted the frog on a bench near their research center after dark and managed to take photos before it hopped away.

Magnificent Tree Frogs are typically green and are some of the largest tree frogs. Finding a blue one is an extraordinarily rare event.

This particular frog’s blue coloration is a result of a genetic mutation, marking the first time experts have observed such bright blue in this species, Litoria splendida. Normally, these frogs have a vibrant green color with white or yellow spots and bright yellow or orange splashes under their arms and on their thighs.

The genetic mutation responsible for the blue color is known as axanthism, which blocks yellow pigmentation, turning the frog’s typical green to blue. This mutation is exceptionally rare, and Jodi Rowley from the Australian Museum noted that while she has seen tens of thousands of frogs, she has only once before seen a blue one, though not as spectacular as this Magnificent Tree Frog.

The blue coloration makes these frogs stand out significantly, which could pose a survival challenge in the wild where camouflage is vital.

Despite the potential drawbacks of its striking color, this blue Magnificent Tree Frog has managed to survive into maturity. Based on its size, wildlife specialists believe it is an older male. This survival might be attributed to aposematism, where bright colors serve as a warning to predators, similar to the visual defense mechanisms seen in poison dart frogs.

The discovery of this blue Magnificent Tree Frog underscores the unique biodiversity of the Kimberley region. Jake Barker highlighted the richness of the area’s wildlife, noting that the Magnificent Tree Frog is one of many endemic species exclusive to this part of Australia.

Typically growing up to 12 cm (5 inches) and living for over 20 years, these frogs are found only in the northern Kimberley and adjacent areas of the Northern Territory, making each encounter a significant event for field ecologists working in the region.