‘Toad’ ally freaky for frogs – The Great Jumper
This column features everything you need to know about frogs. The Common River Frog are the frog athletes of South Africa.
THE Common River Frog is, as you may expect due to its name, is also common in the Highway area.
They’re rather easy to identify, and will surprise you with how far they can jump. They are the frog athletes of South Africa.
What does it look like?
Common River Frogs grow to be quite large frogs, almost toad-size. However, they look far more athletic than our chubby but cute toads.
ALSO READ: ‘Toad’ ally freaky for frogs – Waterlily frogs
River Frogs have a long, pointed snout, which is one key feature to look out for when identifying this species. The other noticeable features of this frog are its legs. They have very large back legs, giving them a remarkable jumping ability.
PHOTO: Nick Evans
On a few occasions, I’ve been crouched down on my hands and knees, photographing this species, when the next minute, I can’t see it in the viewfinder of my camera anymore- because it jumped right over me.
ALSO READ: ‘Toad’ ally freaky for frogs – The Bubbling beauty
Colour-wise, they’re light brown in colour, with dark spots/patches. Sometimes, we see individuals that are a beautiful light green colour, rather than brown, but they still show those spots. They always have a stripe running down their back, which is usually yellow or green.
Are they poisonous? No.
What do they sound like?
Their call is quite strange. It starts with a rapid series of clicks, ending with a drawn-out croak, which sounds a bit like a creaky door opening. Unlike most of our frog species, this frog can heard throughout the year. They tolerate the cold surprisingly well.
Where do they live?
As their name suggests, alongside rivers, but not only there! They can be found around still bodies of water too.
River Frogs occasionally take up residence around garden ponds, and they are often found on the banks around dams.
But yes, they are especially common alongside rivers and streams. When walking on the banks of streams, rivers or dams, these frogs can often surprise you, as they leap out from the vegetation as you step too close.
They dive into the water, and remain submerged for a few minutes until the threat has moved off.
Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Highway community news via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Highway Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
