Frogs of the Savanna

The savanna is the largest biome in southern Africa, occupying approximately one-third of South Africa̵7;s area. The region is known for its grasslands and densely wooded forests, which facilitate vegetation and species distinct to the region. Of the wildlife in this savanna, frogs are popularly studied. There exist different species of frogs in the Savanna, which have diverse eating, mating and dwelling habits.

  1. African Reed Frogs

    • African reed frogs live among the grasslands, gardens, marshes and farmlands of the savanna. These frogs are tree-hugging frogs; they spend most of their time clinging to the trunk of a tree, which they are able to do because of the small suction pad at the end of each toe. They are brightly colored, but not toxic. The species is often confused with poison arrow frogs. Certain families of the species have adapted to the exceptionally dry and arid regions of the savannah by adjusting their water economy and metabolism to survive very dry climates. These families are largely inactive, clinging to plants in the shade while waiting for rain. African reed frogs feed on crickets, flies and other insects.

    Golden Leaf Folding Frog

    • The golden leaf folding frog is one of the most common species of the African savanna. This species is predatory, raiding other frog nests to eat eggs and larvae. The frog dwells near ponds and wetlands. It does not thrive in the very arid regions of the savanna. Males and females mate on leaves. They stick to the edges of leaf and produce an incubation chamber for the eggs to develop. Within five days, eggs form tadpoles that wiggle out of the leaf nest to waters below.

    African Bullfrog

    • The African bullfrog is one of the largest species of frogs in the savanna, weighing more than four pounds and growing as long as 9 inches. This species thrives in both dry and moist regions of the savanna, living in mashes, lakes, canals and ditches. The species is carnivorous, feeding on insects, small rodents, reptiles and other amphibians. African bullfrogs are known for their loud, bellowing calls, which they use to locate other frogs. They hibernate underground during dry seasons, sometimes for as long as two years. When rainy seasons finally arrive, frogs return above ground to mate.

    West African Rubber Frog

    • The West African rubber frog is a medium-sized frog with black trunk and extremities and red spots, which turn gray in warm weather and stressful situations. Its body is very elongated and depressed. The frog has an exceptionally long neck, which allows the frog to rotate the head from side to side. The frog̵7;s feet do not have webbing, as the species is primarily ground-dwelling. These frog live in open grassy areas of the savanna. They do not thrive in forests. West African rubber frogs primarily eat ants and breed in ponds.