The Holst’s frog ( Babina holsti ) is a rare species found in northern Okinawa. It is currently listed endangered on the IUCN red list. It is designated as a natural monument by the Okinawa Prefecture. This large amphibian is decreasing in numbers due to habitat loss.
- Scientific name: Babina holsti (Boulenger, 1892)
- Distribution: Northern Okinawa-Japan
- Habitat: Forest streams
- Diet: Insects, worms, snails and small reptiles
- Average Size: 100mm -125mm
The King- Holst’s frog
The Holst’s frog is the largest frog found on Okinawa. It hides in holes, crevices and small caves in the day.
Searching for food
This is a size comparison photograph taken with the iPhone 6s. This is a good size frog but they do get larger than this.
Comparison – Iphone6s
The juveniles have a dark brown patch on the top section of the body. They blend in very well with their habitat.
Juvenile Holst’s frog
They are sometimes found searching for food on the back roads of Northern Okinawa.
Juvenile Holst’s frog – Yanbaru
Be careful and pay close attention to crossing wildlife!
Crossing wildlife
My Mission: To Document and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands
This site is also designed to help people identify the beautiful animals of Okinawa, basically to serve as an online nature reference guide. If you would like to make a contribution to support my mission, please click on the donation link paypal.me/maketheswitch4nature
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