Native Amphibians Of Angola

Angola is a country located between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Namibia in the Southern region of Africa. The nation covers a land area of 1,246,700 square kilometers. Angola’s expansive landscape has different ecological zones that support a variety of plants and animals. Angola's native amphibians include Hildebrandtia ornatissima, an endemic frog that can survive in both dry and moist environments. Other amphibians in the country include the Red Tree Frog, Grandison's Toad, the Grey Foam Nest Tree Frog, and Power's Rain Frog.

Red Tree Frog (Leptopelis Rufus)

The Red Tree Frog (Leptopelis Rufus) is a unique frog species found in several African countries including Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Angola. It inhabits humid rainforests in lowland areas. The frog can be found on low lying branches near streams. The female is usually larger than the male. Female’s average length is 7.4 to 8.7 centimeters, while the male’s average length is 4.5 to 5.5 centimeters. The frog’s breeding area is in slow moving streams. Red Tree Frog population is on the decline due to habitat loss. Human settlements, deforestation, and agriculture, are some of the reasons for loss of its habitat. Despite the declining population, the frog is not an endangered species due to its large numbers.

Grandison's Toad (Poyntonophrynus grandisonae)

Grandison's Toad (Poyntonophrynus grandisonae) is an amphibian species native to Angola. It is a small toad found in dry sandy areas especially nearby Iona national park in Angola. Its breeding ground is in fresh water streams. Information on the toad’s population is unknown. Further research on the Grandison's Toad is necessary to identify its threats, breeding patterns as well as its population.

Grey Foam Nest Tree Frog (Chiromantis xerampelina)

The Grey Foam Nest Tree Frog (Chiromantis xerampelina) is a frog species native to Angola, Namibia, Malawi, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, and South Africa. It exists in a wide range of habitats, including tropical dry forests, subtropical areas, grasslands, shrublands, dry savanna, moist savanna, rural gardens, ponds and water canals. The frog occurs in brown or white colors and grows to an average length of 9 centimeters. It has a dry and slightly bumpy skin and discs on its toes. Grey Foam Nest Tree Frog feeds on insects. During the breeding season, a female lays eggs and as many as 12 males gather around her to fertilize the eggs. The hatched offspring have a high survival rate due to the diversity of males that fertilize the eggs. The Grey Foam Nest Tree Frog is highly adaptable. As a result, the species is not under the threat, though it is used in the international pet trade.

Power's Rain Frog (Breviceps poweri)

Power's Rain Frog (Breviceps poweri) is a frog species native to Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. It inhabits woodlands, shrublands, grasslands, and sandy areas. The frog feeds on arthropods such as termites, ants, and spiders. Power's Rain Frog gets its name from its habit of emerging after the rain has poured. It is a terrestrial species and does not exist in water bodies. The frog is a common species that occurs widely in protected areas. Therefore, Power's Rain Frog is not an endangered species.

Dangers to Angola's Amphibians

Angola is endowed with a wealth of native amphibians. These amphibians vary in size, color, shape, and distribution. Some of the species face the threat of extinction. Habitat loss is the major threat to rare amphibians. Extensive research needs to be conducted on the lesser known amphibians to help in conservation efforts.