Phrynobatrachus africanus facts for kids
The African swamp frog (scientific name: Phrynobatrachus africanus) is a small frog that belongs to the Phrynobatrachidae family. You can find this frog in parts of Africa, including Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea (like the island of Bioko), the southwestern Central African Republic, and the western Republic of the Congo. Scientists are still learning about its exact range, but it might also live in Nigeria.
Quick facts for kids Phrynobatrachus africanus |
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What Does It Look Like?
Adult African swamp frogs are quite small. They grow to be about 30 millimeters (or 1.2 inches) long from their snout to their rear. They have a fairly thin body.
- Ears: They have clear eardrums, called a tympanum.
- Toes and Fingers: Their finger and toe tips have small, flat pads. Their fingers do not have webbing, but their toes have some webbing.
- Color: The frog's back is usually brown or grayish. If you look closely, you might see dark brown spots. Sometimes, there's a dark triangle shape between its eyes.
- Markings: The upper part of its mouth has several chocolate-colored spots or stripes. Male frogs have brown lower lips with small white spots.
- Legs: The back legs have dark brown, almost black, stripes. The area around its bottom is blackish with a whitish edge above it.
- Belly: The underside of the frog is white. It has brown spots on its chest. The throat of male frogs is dark gray, while females have brown spots on their throats.
Where Does It Live?
The African swamp frog lives in lowland swampy forests. These frogs prefer wet areas. They can live in forests that have been slightly changed by humans. However, they cannot survive in open areas outside of forests.
Life and Reproduction
Male African swamp frogs make calls from small holes and spaces near streams. They do this to attract mates. These frogs lay their eggs and breed in pools of still water found along streams.
Protecting the African Swamp Frog
This frog is a very common species in its habitat. However, its home is at risk.
- Threats: The biggest dangers to the African swamp frog are the loss of its forest home. This happens because of:
* Logging (cutting down trees) * Farming moving into forest areas * New human settlements (towns and villages)
- Conservation: Luckily, the African swamp frog lives in several protected areas. These areas help keep their forest homes safe.
