Argentine Waxy Tree Frog

"Adapted to living in a semi-arid environment, these frogs produce a waxy skin secretion that reduces water loss. They are also specialized to excrete a chalky mass of urates rather than a liquid urine. This is a trick that is common in reptiles but very unusual for an amphibian. Several medicinal chemicals, including a powerful painkiller, have been isolated from the skin of this species." - Sign next to the exhibit.