Scientists first discovered the Pinocchio frog during a field expedition to the Indonesian Foja Mountains in 2008. And it happened completely by accident.

The researchers were looking for shelter from the rain when they noticed a frog sitting on a bag of rice. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a previously unknown species of long-nosed frog.

Apart from a fleshy spine about 2.5 millimeters long protruding from its snout, this green, brown and yellow specimen was very similar to other tree frogs found in the region.

Amphibians got their name because of this long, elongated growth, which is very reminiscent of the nose of the fairy-tale character Pinocchio.

Scientists also noticed that this growth rises when the frog senses danger, is in an active state and makes sounds. When the amphibian is calm, the spine lowers.

Although the species was discovered in 2008, it remained undescribed and for a long time was known as the "Pinocchio frog" (without any scientific name). And only in 2019 the frog received its official name - Litoria Pinocchio.

Where can you find these rare frogs?

As mentioned before, these creatures live in the Foja Mountains on the Indonesian island of New Guinea, which is essentially untouched land. They prefer humid climates and tropical forests.

Pinocchio frogs mostly live on the trees, where they feed on insects.