Each week, One Earth highlights a unique species to highlight the wonders and diversity of our shared planet. This week’s featured species is the common Rain Frog. Check this out:animalbehaviorcorner.com
Unlike other amphibians, these frogs can’t hop or swim, and they spend their lives digging. Their rounded bodies and short limbs make them comical-looking. Their grumpy expressions give them the nickname “grouchy frog.” Despite their grouchy appearance, these frogs are very adaptable and can survive in some of the harshest environments on Earth.
This frog, which is also known as the bushveld rain frog, has a wide distribution across Southern Africa. It inhabits savanna, open grasslands, and temperate forests. This is a nocturnal species and breeds during the summer. During the breeding season, these frogs form large choruses that are thought by local people to signal impending rainfall.
Common Rain Frogs: A Symphony of Nature’s Serenade
As burrowing frogs, these frogs aerate the soil and allow water and nutrients to easily pass through the ground for plant uptake. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume a variety of insects, including snails and termites. They are also prey to a number of predators, including birds and other frogs.
Due to their small size, the common rain frog is often seen in captivity in pet stores or at home. They require an enclosure that is spacious enough for them to move around in, and should be kept at a temperature between 20-25°C (68-77°F) and a humidity level of 70-80%. Using a thermometer and hygrometer is essential for monitoring these levels.