Strange Frog Breathes Entirely Through Its Skin

Discoblog
By Melissa Lafsky
Apr 9, 2008 10:35 PMNov 5, 2019 8:43 AM

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Researchers in Singapore say they have discovered a frog that has no lungs. Called the "Barbourula kalimantanensis," the aquatic frog appears to do all of its breathing entirely through its skin. The frog's shape—a highly flattened body that maximizes the surface area of its skin—allows it to absorb all necessary oxygen in its habitat, which is made up of cold, fast-flowing water. David Bickford of the National University of Singapore, who found the frog during an expedition in Borneo, reportedly called complete lunglessness a "particularly rare evolutionary event that has probably only occurred three times." The only other four-legged animals known to have no lungs are certain salamanders and one species of caecilian, "a limbless amphibian resembling an earthworm." Of course, lest we get too excited about the opportunities for new research and exploration of this unique species, Bickford informs us that the frog is endangered, and could be wiped out by illegal gold mining practices that are destroying its habitat. Now wouldn't that just be heartless? Photo Courtesy of David Bickford

1 free article left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

1 free articleSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

More From Discover
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2025 LabX Media Group