THE Kloof Frog (Natalobatrachus bonebergi) is one of the many amazing frog species that occur in the Highway area, however, it is the only one listed as endangered.
Habitat:
This species occurs from northern parts of the Eastern Cape, up to interior parts of Mtunzini. In this limited distribution, they occur in slow-moving streams in forested areas, or swamp forests. They’re quite fussy when it comes to habitat.
They don’t like stretches of stream where the forest canopy is not closed, or where water flows a bit too quickly for their liking.
They are often seen sitting on vegetation overhanging the water and it is not a species that is usually found in and around homes (I have never seen a record of that behaviour).
We are extremely fortunate as this frog occurs in multiple different areas within the Highway Area.
They have been down in Cowies Hill, New Germany, and Field’s Hill, Gillitts, Everton, Kloof, and the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve. So yes, they are thriving in our area.
Appearance:
The Kloof Frog is not a colourful species, so it doesn’t often grab everyone’s attention. They’re a light to yellowish brown colour.
But it’s quite unique in that it’s the only species of its genus.
They’re pretty frogs, with a dainty appearance, pointed snout and long, elegant toes.
ALSO READ: Giffy bridges gap between art and nature
Mating season:
To me, it’s their behaviour that makes them so special. Kloof Frog mating season is far longer than most other frogs as it starts in September and ends in early June. Males attract females with a very subtle, yet high-pitched clicking sound. This may be confused for the call of the Clicking Stream Frog, but that species’ call is much louder. You have to be standing right in their habitat to hear the Kloof Frog’s call.
The female lays her eggs in a bizarre, jelly-like clump.
She lays this clump on vegetation overhanging the water or on rock faces. She remains close to the eggs while they develop, urinating on them from time to time to keep them moist. How loving! The tadpoles form in the egg and, if you’re lucky, you might see an egg-clump with the tadpoles still inside.
It’s an interesting sight. When they’re ready to begin their new life, they break out and drop into the water, where, as tadpoles, they feed on algae, helping to clean our waterways. It’s a really fascinating process.
ALSO READ: Leap into action for Kloof Conservancy frog event
Endangered:
This special frog is under threat, hence its endangered status. The main reason, like any threatened species, is habitat destruction. The forests they occur in are wiped out or streams are polluted. If their particular habitat is wiped out, they are wiped out. With so many localities occurring in the Highway area, we need to be sure that we protect our few remaining natural areas, ensuring the survival of this precious species.
We are grateful that Giffy has chosen to raise awareness for this species through his world class artwork.
Spot the frog:
If you have seen the Kloof Frog in a stream in your garden or local reserve, and if you have a photo, email it to Nick Evans (KZN Amphibian and Reptile Conservation) and Dr Jeanne Tarrant (Endangered Wildlife Trust), along with the location, to nickevanskzn@gmail.com and jeannet@ewt.org.za
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