Pinocchio Frog

About

The Pinocchio Frog (Litoria pinocchio) is a unique species of frog native to the Foja Mountains in Papua Province, Indonesia. It was first spotted in 2008 by herpetologist Paul Oliver during an expedition but was formally described in 2019. This frog is characterized by its distinctive long protuberance on its nose, reminiscent of the fictional character Pinocchio. The nose can change size, often becoming more prominent when the male frog is vocalizing. The Pinocchio Frog is green, brown, and yellow in color and is part of the subfamily Pelodryadinae. Its diet primarily consists of insects, and it is believed to inhabit higher elevations, possibly in treetops. The function of the nose protuberance is not fully understood but may aid in species recognition or attracting mates. The frog is one of many species discovered in New Guinea, highlighting the region's rich biodiversity.