The Maud Island frog, Leiopelma pakeka, is a primitive frog native to New Zealand, one of only four extant species belonging to the taxonomic family Leiopelmatidae. Although Leiopelma pakeka differs in some aspects of morphology from Leiopelma hamiltoni, with which it was previously grouped, recent genetic studies suggest the differences are largely superficial. This calls into question its designation as a separate species. Like other Leiopelma species, these frogs do not produce advertisement vocalisations to attract mates. Instead, they communicate through chemical signals.