Order Anura Higher classification Breviceps | Phylum Chordata Scientific name Breviceps gibbosus Rank Species | |
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Similar Frog, Breviceps, Forest rain frog, Amphibians, Desert rain frog | ||
The cape rain frog or giant rain frog (Breviceps gibbosus) is a species of frog in the Brevicipitidae family. Adults grow up to 45 mm in length. It was the first African frog species to be scientifically described by Linnaeus in 1758, under the name Rana gibbosa. It is the most common and largest of rain frogs.
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Distribution and habitat
The species is endemic to South Africa, where it occurs in the far south-western Cape, in Cape Town and northwards as far as Citrusdal. In this area it inhabits Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, known as fynbos, renosterveld, pastureland on farms, rural gardens, and even urban areas. It seems to adapt well to suburban gardens, but like most frog species it is vulnerable to herbicide poisons and domestic pets.
Ecology
The Cape rain frog lives underground and usually emerges just before rains (from whence it got its common name). It may also be seen in misty or damp conditions. Its burrowing provides a role in aerating soil in the south-western Cape. It feeds on worms and small insects. When alarmed, it increases its apparent size by swallowing air; hence the species is given the Afrikaans common name of blaasoppie. As burrowing frogs, they have thick, muscular legs, which enable them to burrow for shelter. This species does not require open water to breed; in fact, it cannot swim and will drown if placed in water.
Breeding
During mating season, males call from beneath vegetation or from their burrows so that the females can locate them. Since he is too small to get a firm grip on the female, she secretes a sticky liquid that glues him to her back. Fertilisation takes place in a burrow that the female has dug where groups of approximately 22 eggs are laid. They lay fertile eggs and jelly capsules, which provide moisture for the developing froglets. The females will remain burrowed near the eggs until they become young froglets without undergoing the tadpole stage.
Conservation
Then species is currently classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN. The main threats consist of ongoing habitat loss in the diminishing fynbos biomes, through the expansion of urban sprawl and agriculture.
