Savigny's tree frog / Hyla savignyi / ضفدع شجري

© All rights reserved by www.mahmiyat.ps

Status: Scarce

The savigny's tree frog belongs to the Hylidae family in the Pelobatidae order. It is one of three Anuran amphibians, but the only member of the Hylidae family present in Palestine. The adult length is up to 4 centimeters. The female is larger than the male. A small nocturnal frog. The skin is smooth, the head, back and legs are usually at a uniform color and a variety of green, gray, yellow and brown colors. The color depends on the environment. When found on the ground, it is usually brown. When found on vegetation, the color is often green or yellowish. The belly is white, there are dark stripes each one along the side of the body. The hind legs are thin and long lending it good hopping capability. The fingertips are equipped with suction cups enabling its attachment to slippery surfaces. The diet consists of small arthropods and mollusks. As most amphibians, the success of reproduction depends on the availability of water sources. The savigny's tree frog mating occurs between January and March. During the mating season, the males’ croak can be heard from a distance. The female lays up to 250 eggs, which hatch within 10-14 days. The tadpoles are glossy gray with a light stripe along the tail. The savigny's tree frog inhibits the Middle East, parts of Europe and parts of Asia. It can mostly be found on shrubs near water sources.

Conservation status: Least Concern.

In Palestine: It can be found mostly in Mediterranean aquatic habitats.

Sites: Beitillu

Picture resource: By "Hyla savignyi02a" by Václav Gvoždík - http://calphotos.berkeley.edu. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons.