Frogs in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa - Spring 2016

For your reports/images, made outside Europe and the "Mediterranean" countries. Not to be too narrow minded and limited to our European/Mediterranean herps.

Frogs in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa - Spring 2016

Postby Nick Evans » Mon Oct 24, 2016 6:20 am

I spend a lot of my spring/summer nights searching for frogs. Whether it's survey work, research, or just for fun (which it usually is).
Where I'm based, in KwaZulu-Natal, we have plenty to look for, as it is the most species-rich province in South Africa.
Of course, one sees a whole lot more than 'just' frogs, such as snakes, spiders, chameleons and more.
Fortunately, after a long drought, we've been having some decent rainfall, which has spiked frog activity!

Below are some photos that I have taken of some of the species that I've seen so far, this spring.
Starting off with the highlights for me...

Long-toed Tree Frog (Leptopelis xenodactylus).
This Endangered species is restricted to the KZN Midlands. I had the privilege of seeing them last season, but going back to see them again was just as exciting as the first time- they're just so loveable!

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Rythmic Caco (Cacosternum rythmum)
A recently described species which I've wanted to find for a while now. They favour flooded grasslands/pans, and with it being about 1cm in size, it is extremely difficult to find! My friends and I found a couple in the rain one night, but because I was worried about the wellbeing of my camera, I only photographed one specimen, a pretty one at that!

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Spotted Shovel-nosed Frog (Hemisus guttatus)
A fossorial species listed as Vulnerable. They are such bizarre-looking, yet very cute frogs!

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They use that hard, pointed nose for digging.
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Kloof Frog (Natalobatrachus bonebergi)
An Endangered species, which has always fascinated me. I've studied them a bit in the past few years, and spent a lot of time looking for them. Their breeding season lasts a lot longer than most other species, breeding from August to June.
I've been on a bit of a personal research mission this season, searching for new localities for this species in the Greater Durban Area. We've managed to find 4 new localities in a month!

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Egg-clump
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Pickersgill's Reed Frog (Hyperolius pickersgilli)
A Critically Endangered species (may be listed down to Endangered) found in wetlands along the coastline of KwaZulu-Natal.

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Natal Cascade Frog (Hadromophryne natalensis)
Such cool looking frogs! Love their eyes!

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Plaintive Rain Frog (Breviceps verrucosus)

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Bushveld Rain Frog (Breviceps adspersus)
Grumpy-looking critter!

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Natal Leaf-folding Frog (Afrixalus spinifrons)

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Greater Leaf-folding Frogs (Afrixalus fornasinii)
Two males in combat!

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Waterlily Frog (Hyperolius pusillis)

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Painted Reed Frog (Hyperolius marmoratus marmoratus)
Stunning colours!

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Bubbling Kassina (Kassina senegalensis)

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Natal Tree Frog (Leptopelis natalensis)
A firm favourite amongst the general public with a heart for frogs.

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Brown-backed Tree Frog (Leptopelis mossambicus)

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Bushsqueaker (Arthroleptis wahlbergi)

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Boettger's Caco (Cacosternum boettgeri)

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Striped Stream Frog (Strongylopus fasciatus)

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Clicking Stream Frog (Strongylopus grayii) mating

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Natal Sand Frog (Tomopterna natalensis)
Don't see many with this light grey colouration. They're normally a lot darker, or sometimes even quite red.

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Red Toad (Schismaderma carens)

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That's all for now. I'll post some more pics later on in the season :mrgreen:

~Nick Evans
KwaZulu-Natal Amphibian & Reptile Conservation
http://www.kznamphibianreptileconservation.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KZNHerpConservation/

A proud chapter of the Lawrence Anthony Earth Organization
http://www.earthorganization.org/
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Re: Frogs in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa - Spring 2016

Postby Mario Schweiger » Mon Oct 24, 2016 8:10 am

great pictures!
Mario (Admin)

Please visit also my personal Herp-site vipersgarden.at
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Re: Frogs in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa - Spring 2016

Postby Tim Leerschool » Mon Oct 24, 2016 6:18 pm

Stunning photography. Especially love the Breviceps, though I think no one is able to resist it ;)

Thanks for sharing!
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Re: Frogs in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa - Spring 2016

Postby Matthijs Hollanders » Thu Nov 03, 2016 2:59 pm

Wow Nick, I missed this post but that's a great collection of stunning frogs!
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Re: Frogs in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa - Spring 2016

Postby Nick Evans » Fri Nov 04, 2016 7:09 pm

Thank you so much for your kind and supportive comments all! :mrgreen:
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Re: Frogs in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa - Spring 2016

Postby Bobby Bok » Mon Nov 07, 2016 10:28 am

That is an amazing collection of amphibians! One day I will visit you that is for sure ;)
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