Details
Pyxicephalus adspersus
The African bullfrog is a large frog of Afrotropical savannas, grasslands, and freshwater habitats. It is a strong solitary nocturnal carnivore.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It uses temporary pools, wetlands, and surrounding soil in savanna and grassland. Its life cycle is closely tied to rains that create breeding water.
Body length is about 11-24 cm and weight about 300-1400 g. A broad head, wide mouth, and heavy body are typical, with males especially large.
It is nocturnal and solitary. During dry periods it rests underground, then emerges and gathers at water after rain.
It is carnivorous, eating insects, small vertebrates, and other frogs. It ambushes prey and swallows it with a wide mouth.
Breeding occurs in temporary wet-season pools. Males are known to guard eggs and tadpoles.
Its conservation status is LC. Dormancy and explosive breeding after rain are central to its life history.
