Watch what happens when I flush the toilet. (updated 2023)
Australian Climate
The north coast of Australia consists of tropical rainforest, which is a perfect habitat for frogs. The tropical north of Australia does not have summer or winter seasons. It is hot most of the time. Instead, they have a rainy season and a dry season. The wet season starts before Christmas and runs until April. This time is characterized by monsoon rain storms and very high humidity. Perfect weather for ducks and frogs. Not so much for tourists.
Australia has a very diverse climate. It has everything from desert to mountains to jungle. Some of these habitats are good for frogs, and others are not.
Frogs in Australia
There are more than 230 species of frogs in Australia. They exist in all parts of the country, but most are found in the tropical north. Three species are extinct. Another 28 species are endangered. Four have not been seen in more than 15 years and may also be extinct. This massive decrease in frog populations has occurred since 1979.
In the Dry
Not many tourists travel around northern Australia during the wet season. Roads are often flooded and closed. In the dry season, frogs travel around to seek water. This is when you are most likely to encounter them.
Tree Frogs
There are two main types of frogs. Typical frogs live on or near the ground, and tree frogs live above the ground. Tree frogs have suction cups on their toes, enabling them to walk up plants in the jungle as well as buildings and toilets.
Toilet Frogs
In their search for water, frogs sometimes take up residence in a toilet. Many frogs are more active at night and seek out cool places to pass the heat of the day. Under the toilet bowl’s top edge is where the water enters when you flush the toilet. This area is out of sight when looking into the bowl. A perfect place for toilet frogs to spend the day.
I have seen this in a few places in rural Australia, such as campgrounds, roadside rest areas and remote areas in the north. However, I have never seen toilet frogs in a city.
Ranidaphobia
Most people find frogs to be cute and interesting. But some people find them ugly and disgusting. A few people have a morbid fear of frogs which is called Ranidaphobia. Don’t watch this video if you have ranidaphobia.
Flushing the Toilet
When the toilet is flushed, a rush of water sometimes sweeps these toilet frogs out of their hiding place. However, the suction cups on their feet are very powerful, and usually, they can hang on and survive the flood.
If, however, they get flushed down the toilet it does not harm them. They just get a wild waterslide ride down to the local sewage lagoon.
What’s in your toilet?
No frogs were harmed in the making of this movie.
If you liked the toilet frogs, check out my post on the bat-eating snakes.