Bornean Flat Headed Frog

Bornean Flat Headed Frog Facts

• Firstly, the truly fascinating Bornean Flat Headed Frog is an extremely unusual species of frog. Scientists place the unusual animal in the Bombinatoridae family.
• Secondly, it only appears to be a normal frog. Yet, this astounding creature actually has one dramatic difference distinguishing it from its relatives.
• This animal remains the only species of frog we know of that does not possess lungs. Researchers discovered the trait in 2008 when they found that it actually absorbs oxygen directly through its skin.
• Finally, scientists first discovered this incredibly rare creature in 1978. At that time only a single specimen appeared, but then another appeared 20 years later.

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Bornean Flat Headed Frog Physical Description 

Most notably, at this time, very little information exists about the extremely rare Bornean Flat Headed Frog. But, we do know that it displays a slight degree of sexual dimorphism.

Further, the females appear to attain a length of about 3 in (7.5 cm). Yet the males grow slightly smaller in size. As its name indicates, the head also develops unusually flattened, and the snout stays rounded in shape.

In addition, both the hands and feet of this remarkable amphibian develop completely webbed.

Finally, the overall color pattern displays as predominantly brown, with black mottling.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Amphibia
• Order: Anura
• Family: Bombinatoridae
• Genus: Barbourula
• Species: B. kalimantanensis

Bornean Flat Headed Frog Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The Bornean Flat Headed Frog appears to have a severely limited zone of habitation.  That’s because it appears to only inhabit a few streams in two locations. Both occur in the rainforest on the island of Borneo, in Asia.

Furthermore, the only individuals seen to date inhabited rivers with cold, fast-moving water. These were also found in rather remote locations.

The surprising animal lists as Highly Vulnerable on the records of the IUCN. Its primary threat appears to be a combination of habitat degradation and outright habitat loss.

The first occurs because the waters it inhabits continue to be increasingly contaminated with toxic metals from mining processes in the area.

The second occurs due to the ongoing development of the island for man’s purposes.

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