Natal forest tree frog

The Natal forest tree frog (Leptopelis natalensis) is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae, subfamily Leptopelinae, and is endemic to the eastern coastal area of South Africa. A typical tree frog, it has large eyes and a broad mouth. Its colouration is highly variable: Some may be bright green, others cream coloured, and some may be cream with olive-green blotches.

Natal forest tree frog
Leptopelis natalensis from Durban, South Africa
From Bazely, KwaZulu-Natal south coast
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Arthroleptidae
Genus: Leptopelis
Species:
L. natalensis
Binomial name
Leptopelis natalensis
(Smith, 1849)
Sleeping Natal Forest Tree Frog

Its natural habitats are temperate forests, temperate shrubland, subtropical forests, swamps, intermittent freshwater marshes, and rural gardens. It is threatened by habitat loss.

These frogs usually live in the foliage and branches of forest trees. They lay eggs on banks of ponds and quiet streams, or on broad leaves near the water's edge. The tadpoles hatch and drop into the water where they grow and develop into frogs. Its call is somewhat akin to "bwee YACK-yack". The first part of the call being described as "soft buzzing".[1]

References
  1. Carruthers V. 2001


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