Highway’s endangered frog
Kloof Frogs were recorded in three new areas - two in Kloof and one in Everton.
WHEN it comes to frogs, KwaZulu-Natal is the most species-rich province in South Africa and the Highway area has plenty of amazing species to look at.
There is one special frog though, which is rather secretive and rarely seen – the Kloof Frog.
The Kloof Frog (Natalobatrachus bonebergi) is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as an endangered species. Its range can be considered relatively large, as it stretches from upper parts of the Eastern Cape, up to Southern Zululand. However, it only occurs in a few sites throughout this range.
Kloof Frogs are quite habitat specific. They favour slow-moving streams in forests, with vegetation overhanging the water. They also favour streams or ponds in swamp forests. They do not seem to like being exposed to the open sky, so they stick to bodies of water which are under a closed-canopy. There are not many areas which have such habitat, which is a reason why they’re endangered. It’s not a frog which one could expect to see around the garden pond.
The Highway area would seem to be a bit of a hot-spot for them. Populations have previously been recorded in three areas which are protected, such as the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve.
This spring, Nick Evans of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, has been on a mission to search for new localities for this endangered species, to help conserve the species. He’s also interested in studying them, and understanding more about them. So, together with some friends, he started surveying some promising-looking areas in the Highway area.
“Those surveys have paid off. In less than a month, we’ve recorded Kloof Frogs in three new areas. Two in Kloof, and one in Everton. We also surveyed a reserve in Hillcrest where they had been seen a few times before. There, we discovered that they were thriving, as we counted 25 frogs. We recorded them in two sections of the reserve,” said Evans.
He added that all of these new localities fall into protected areas. They were either official nature reserves or conservancies. “This is great news for the frogs, as their habitat is in good condition and relatively safe, but it’s also great news for these protected areas. An area which is home to threatened or endangered species stands a much better chance of being preserved, dismissing development plans. This of course benefits all wildlife,” said Evans.
The Kloof Frog is a loveable little frog, with quite a dainty appearance. They can be seen active during the day, unlike most frogs, but are more active at night time. They make a very subtle clicking noise, which sounds a bit like water drops falling. They lay their eggs in a jelly-like clump, overhanging the water. Once ready to hatch, the tadpoles break out of the egg, and drop into the water to start their life. It’s an interesting cycle.
“I will be doing more surveys in other parts of the Highway Area in weeks to come. Hopefully we’ll be able to locate more areas in which they occur, so that this species stands a better chance of survival,” added Evans.
If you manage to spot one while out on a stroll, please email Nick Evans a photo and location: nickevanskzn@gmail.com. Records go through to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the E.W.T’s Threatened Amphibian Programme, and UCT’s Virtual Museum.
