New "Flying" Frog Species Has Amazing Feet (Pictures)

Jodi Rowley

In Vietnam, researches recently conducted an extensive study on a newly discovered "flying" frog.  The frog, dubbed Helen's flying frog, is named after discoverer Jodi Rowley's mother.   Jodi, an amphibian biologist at the Australian Museum in Sydney, is the lead author of the new study.

Jodi Rowley

Currently, scientists have identified 80 species of flying frogs.  The unique creatures have the ability to "parachute" from tree to tree due to special aerodynamic feet and unique shape.  Helen's flying frog is "one of the most flying frogs of the flying frogs," Rowley said, "in that it's got huge hands and feet that are webbed all the way to the toepad." 

The new flying frog study was published in December 2012 in the Journal of Herpetology.  Original article was posted here.

Tasmanian Devils Population Spiraling To Near Extinction

Getty/Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries

According to NY Daily News, Tasmanian Devils, fierce creatures known for their temperamental personality, are being devestated by a leathal disease called devil facial tumor disease (DFTD).  According to Scientific American, approximetly 90% of the population of these small critters have died as a result of the disease. The disease causes tumors to grow on the face, head and jaw of the animals.  Their personality may be helping the disease spread more rapidly, as well. They often fight, scratch and bite each other, particularly in the mouth and face areas.  Read more here.

Frog Rides Snake to Escape From Flood!

Caters News Agency

Australian computer technician Armin Gerlach captured this amazing photo during major flooding near Brisbane, Australia. See the full picture and story here.