Frogs appear like vulnerable creatures, but have made many adaptations to overcome the trails of life. They lead a double life partially living in water and on land. They are nonetheless, very dependent on water and vulnerable to desiccation. The wet summer we had so far is perfect frog weather and many rarely seen frogs have made their appearance. Some are so well camouflaged that they are more often heard than seen.
Tree frogs are attractive little creatures, typically with large eyes and broad mouths. Being forest frogs, their coloration are highly variable, ranging from bright green to cream or sometimes blotched green. They live in the foliage and branches of forest trees and the eggs are laid on the banks of ponds and streams, or on broad leaves near the water’s edge. When the tadpoles hatch, they drop into the water.
The foam-nest tree frog is adapted to drier conditions like the bushveld, and is often see in our homes where they climb onto walls. They are probably attracted to the insect food source which is swarm to our lights. These frogs belong to a different family and look different from the forest tree frogs. The conspicuous foam nest can often see hanging above a water source. This frog can change colour to adapt to its surroundings. It can appear to be blotched grey when sitting on the bark of a tree, or almost white when sitting on a wall. The female kicks up a frothy mass in which she lays about 1 000 eggs, fertilised by often many attendant males. The tadpoles hatch inside the foam nest and drop into the water to complete their life cycle.
Also very common in our gardens in wet weather is the tiny painted reed frog. It usually sits motionless on a leaf, but instead of blending in with its surroundings, it is boldly coloured with black stripes on a yellow background. This is warning colours in nature and this frog probably has poisonous or distasteful substances in its skin. The call is a clear sharp whistle, and although different in every species, a crucial activity for any frog to find a mate.
Frogs spend the dry season underground or in a sheltered spot to prevent desiccation. The body metabolism is lowered, so that the frog practically goes into a deep ‘sleep’ where it patiently waits for the next rainy season. They may be awkward looking creatures, but frogs are masters of adaptation!
