Here's my wildlife drawing of a handsome Pinocchio frog, waiting to make your cute acquaintance!
First discovered in the mountains of Papua, Indonesia, in 2008, this remarkable frog quickly captured the imagination of people around the world. With its unusual pointed nose and almost cartoon-like appearance, it looks as though it has stepped straight out of a fairy tale.
The Pinocchio frog gets its name from the famous wooden character from The Adventures of Pinocchio, thanks to its distinctive nose. What makes this little amphibian even more fascinating is that the nose is not just a strange feature for us to admire. In males, the nose can become more prominent and is thought to point upwards when the frog calls, then relax when the frog is quiet. Scientists believe this unusual adaptation may play a role in attracting mates, although much about this mysterious species remains unknown.
Officially known as Litoria pinocchio, this frog belongs to the tree frog family and is closely related to other colourful frogs found across the Australasian region. Like many amphibians, it has smooth, moist skin and relies on humid environments to survive. Its green colouring helps it blend into the vegetation of its rainforest home, where it spends much of its time among trees and plants.
The Pinocchio frog feeds mainly on small insects and other tiny invertebrates. Living high above the forest floor helps it avoid some predators while giving it access to a rich supply of food. Like many rainforest species, it depends on a healthy habitat, making the protection of tropical forests essential for its survival.
This extraordinary frog is only known from the remote mountain forests of Papua, Indonesia, and sightings are extremely rare. Its limited range and elusive behaviour make it a fascinating reminder of how many incredible creatures are still waiting to be discovered in the natural world.
This Pinocchio frog illustration was created for a “How to Draw a Frog” video requested by Wicklow County Council as part of their libraries’ Spring Into Storytime project. It was a real pleasure to bring this unusual little amphibian to life through drawing and share its story with a new audience.