23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Are you good friends?

Both species are endemic to Japan. The Stream Brown Frog usually lives in the mountains, but when the air temperature drops close to 2°C, it enters rivers to hibernate (around November). At that time, the water temperature is about 4–8°C, which is warmer than the air. As soon as they enter the water, they find a mate and form pairs, remaining together in hibernation until around February. When the coldest part of winter passes and the daytime water temperature reaches about 4°C, they awaken from hibernation to begin their spawning behavior. Males that failed to find a mate (“bachelors”) wait desperately in the stream for females drifting downstream, clinging to anything that moves in their eagerness to mate. The water temperature at that time was 2°C. Yamame trout are sluggish in such cold water, making them easy targets for the frogs to cling to. The frogs mistake the fish for females and cling to them with great intensity—sometimes even strangling them to death. Because the Stream Brown Frog is extremely cautious and quick to flee, I had to remain motionless for a long time in 2°C water to observe and photograph their behavior. You can see both broadleaf and conifer trees reflected in the background. The conifer tree in the center of the image was planted by humans. After World War II, Japan promoted reforestation by cutting down natural forests and planting conifers. In this forest—located in Tokyo—there are only coniferous trees as far as the eye can see. Due to deforestation, many wild animals lost their habitats. Bears, unable to find food, have been appearing in towns and are often killed after encounters with humans. The forest where I took this photo has been preserved thanks to the efforts of local forestry workers who have protected the river, allowing scenes like this to exist. However, nearby rivers have been polluted by dumped branches and waste, causing the water to stagnate and the flow to change—resulting in the disappearance of aquatic life. Through this photograph, I hope to inspire action toward the protection of all species.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: tokyo, Japan
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Copyright: © Daichi shimada