Malaysia True Frogs

Larut Torrent Frog
Amolops larutensis

Malaysian Frog
Rana luctuosa

Copper-Cheeked Frog
Rana chalconata

Amphibians ~ True Frogs

True frogs of Ranidae and other related families are found in abundance throughout the world with the largest species distribution. This page will deal with true frogs of the Rana family in Peninsular Malaysia. It is also common notion (though mistaken) that Aborigines (Orang Asli) tip their blow pipe darts with toxic substance secreted by poisonous frogs such as Rana hosii. The Orang Asli actually use the sap from the Ipoh tree, rather than from frogs.

Common characteristics of Rana species include a smooth and moist body, snouts with a sharper edge and strong legs that capatult them over good distances. They tend to be found near bodies of water including streams, rivers, drains and mounds in both rainforest and urban habitat.

Their calls vary greatly. For example, Rana luctuosa produces a loud, moaning sound which some researches like to the meow of a cat. To the author, they sound like humans engaging in procreation process. Some species produce a toxin from the skin which is extremely harmful when ingested. An example is Rana hosii, a completely green species with a brown cheek.

The spotted stream frog, or Rana signata, is a beautiful ranid that occurs in lowland to mid-level rainforest along streams.

The copper-cheeked frog, or Rana chalconata, has patterns that are quite variable. This specimen has a brown back while others may be completely green or even pale grey in colour.