African Bullfrog

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*This page is under renovation and all information may not be up-to-date or complete*

Description

African bullfrogs are large, round amphibians that are olive green in color. Males typically have a yellow-orange throat and females have cream colored throats. Young African bullfrogs are brightly colored with a yellow stripe down their back.

Range & Habitat

African bullfrogs are native to the savannas, shrublands, and tropical swamps of Central and South Africa. They can be found in Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Behavior

African bullfrogs are ambush predators, so they typically sit partly or fully underground and wait for a potential meal to approach them. When their prey appears, they will launch their tongue our and pull the unsuspecting animal into their mouths. Oftentimes, African bullfrogs are aggressive and territorial towards other bullfrogs. It is not uncommon for them to eat smaller bullfrogs or even their own tadpoles.

In dry conditions, African bullfrogs burrow themselves underground and surround themselves with a moist cocoon to keep themselves from drying out before the next rainstorm. This cocoon is made of dead skin cells and mucus.

Diet

Adult African bullfrogs are carnivores. They eat a wide variety of foods, including insects, other frogs, reptiles, small mammals, and even birds. Their diet is only limited by what they can physically consume.

Conservation

The biggest threats to African bullfrogs are harvesting for food and for the exotic pet trade.

Fun Facts

• African bullfrogs are one of the few frog species in the world that has “teeth”.
• Male African bullfrogs guard their eggs after the female has laid them in temporary ponds. If the water in the pond starts to dry out, they will dig a tunnel to a nearby pond to save their eggs and tadpoles.