Graeme Teague Photography

Desert Rain Frog 2450

Caption: Desert Rain Frog 2450
Scientific name: Breviceps macrops
Location: Nambia
Copyright: © Boshoff / gtphoto 832-526-1123 gtphoto@shaw.ca
AGPix ID: AGPix_GrTePh23_1451
Digital Original
Comments: Desert Rain Frog - Namibia. The desert rain frog is a species of frog in the family Brevicipitidae. Found in Namibia and South Africa, it's natural habitat is the narrow strip of sandy shores between the sea and the sand dunes. It is threatened by habitat loss. Near Threatened (2017) The desert rain frog is a small, plump species with bulging eyes, a short snout, short limbs, spade-like feet and webbed toes. On the underside it has a transparent area of skin through which its internal organs can be seen. The size of this frog can span between 4-6cm (1.6-2.4in). Its colour is yellowish-brown and often has sand adhering to its skin. It also has an unusual high-pitched cry similar to that of a squeaky toy. Unlike most other species of frogs, it develops directly from the egg into adults without passing through the tadpole stage. It has a stout body, with small legs, which makes it unable to hop or leap - instead, it walks around on the sand. The frog does not require water in its habitat to survive. Nocturnal - The frog's total habitat range is smaller than 2,000 square kilometres (770 sq mi) and is fragmented and the number of individual frogs seems to be decreasing. It is threatened by habitat loss caused by opencast diamond mining, road construction, as well as increased human settlement. GTPHOTO is a brillaint knowledge/photo agency with all award winning photographers, filmmakers, scientists, authors & guides covering our world - wildlife & nature specialists.