What is rain frog?

Rain Frog Information

Rain frogs, belonging to the Brevicipitidae family, are small, round amphibians known for their distinctive appearance and behavior.

  • Appearance: These frogs are typically short and stout, with a globose body shape. They have short limbs and a flattened face. Many species have textured skin that helps them blend into their environment. Their appearance is often described as "grumpy" or "puffy".
  • Habitat: Rain frogs are endemic to southern Africa, mainly found in South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and fynbos. They prefer areas with moist soil or leaf litter. Habitat
  • Behavior: A defining characteristic of rain frogs is their defensive behavior. When threatened, they inflate their bodies to appear larger and wedge themselves into burrows, making it difficult for predators to extract them. They are also known for their high-pitched, rasping calls. Behavior
  • Diet: Rain frogs are primarily insectivores, feeding on small invertebrates such as ants, termites, and mites. Diet
  • Reproduction: These frogs engage in direct development, meaning that they hatch from eggs as small froglets, bypassing the tadpole stage. Females lay their eggs in underground nests, where they develop in the absence of free-standing water. Reproduction
  • Conservation Status: Some rain frog species are threatened due to habitat loss and degradation. Conservation%20Status
  • Unique Adaptations: Their stout bodies and short limbs are adaptations for burrowing. They do not hop but walk or crawl instead. Adaptations