Sauvage's Tree Frog

Overview

Sauvage's Tree Frog (Phyllomedusa sauvagii) is a tree frog native to South America. A large green leaf frog of the Chaco, secretes waxy coating to reduce water loss.

Care level: Advanced. Toxicity: Low.

History & Origin

The Hylidae (Tree Frogs) is naturally distributed across South America, where it occupies the typical habitats of its family. It has been kept by specialist and hobbyist keepers both in the wild and in captivity.

Appearance & Size

Sauvage's Tree Frog is a 7–9 cm tree frog.

Temperament

Tree frogs are alert, vocal and mostly nocturnal; many are hardy and fairly tolerant, though they are delicate to handle and prefer a planted, humid arboreal setup.

Care & Husbandry

A tree frog needs vertical space with cork bark, branches and live or artificial foliage, plus high humidity (60–80%) and a small water feature. Mist regularly and keep temperatures around 22–28 °C; most do well on a diet of crickets, roaches and fruit flies dusted with supplements.

This species is generally rated Advanced in difficulty for keepers.

Health & Lifespan

In captivity Sauvage's Tree Frog typically lives 6–10 years. Healthy tree frogs may live 5–15 years. Red-leg disease, chytrid fungus and dehydration are the main risks; maintain humidity, quarantine new arrivals and avoid rough handling that damages their delicate skin.

Popularity & Recognition

Tree frogs — especially the red-eyed tree frog — are global amphibian icons, widely kept and photographed for their vivid colours and big eyes.