Hyperolius horstockii

Hyperolius horstockii
Hyperolius horstockii
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Hyperoliidae
Genus: Hyperolius
Species: H. horstockii
Binomial name
Hyperolius horstockii
(Schlegel, 1837)

Hyperolius horstockii, known as the Arum Frog, is a species of frog in the Hyperoliidae family. It is endemic to South Africa.

Contents

Identification

Adult length: 40 mm.They have bright orange feet and can change their colour in order to camouflage themselves. The top of the body is cream to brown, sometimes with small black spots. A distinctive pale dorsolateral line runs from the snout along the flanks, with a dark brown lateral band underneath. A fine dark line usually separates the pale line from the brown band. The concealed surfaces of limbs, webbing and discs are orange to red. Underneath the frog is creamy white and slightly granular. The gular flap in males is bright ochre. Pupil horizontal.

Tadpoles reach 40 mm. They are brown with longitudinal darker bands on the tail.

Habitat

Its natural habitats are Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rivers, swamps, intermittent freshwater lakes, freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marches, and ponds. It is frequently found lying at the bottom of Arum lilies (Zantedeschia aethiopica), trying to catch pollinating insects.[1] It is threatened by habitat loss.

Behaviour

These frogs are sometimes found in arum lily flowers where they can change colour to perfectly match the surroundings. This makes them virtually invisible to predators as well as to their insect prey. They use the pollen of the flowers to camouflage themselves. At night they creep out of the flower and down the stem to hunt for insects.

Threats

They are threatened because arum lily flowers are picked and sold.

Setting the facts straight on arum lilies and frogs

A recent joint press release issued by the City of Cape Town, CapeNature and SANBI: There has been inaccurate information circulating about the sale of arum lilies, and the protection of two of the Cape's amphibians, the arum lily frog and micro frog. A campaign urging residents not to purchase arum lilies from vendors at the side of the road seems to be gaining momentum whilst spreading inaccurate information about arum lilies and frogs. This misleading information has also gone viral, and is being spread via e-mail and social networking tools. It is important that the public understand the facts about these frogs, before making a decision on whether or not to purchase the flowers. Correct information about arum lily frog The Environmental Management (ERM) Department, in conjunction with CapeNature and the South African National Biodiversity Institute would therefore like to highlight the facts. The information being circulated refers to the ‘arum lily micro frog' which does not exist. There are, however, two different species of frog, namely the micro frog (Microbatrachella capensis) and the arum lily frog (Hyperolius horstockii). The micro frog is smaller than a fingernail, while the arum lily frog is somewhat larger, growing to about 40 mm in length. It has been reported that the ‘arum lily micro frog' is in danger because of the sale of arum lilies, but this is not at all correct for either of the frog species. The supposed threat to these frogs' habitat has been cited as one of the main reasons why the public should not buy arum lilies. However, no frog species breeds in the flowers of arum lilies. While the arum lily frog occasionally uses the flowers for shelter, it is not dependant on them. Arum lily frogs breed in wetlands and not in the flowers of the arums. The micro frog is grounddwelling, breeding in temporary pools, and it does not climb into any flowers. Arum lily frogs are very pale and they hide their bright orange feet and legs under their bodies during the day. In this way, the frog is able to use a white background as camouflage against predators and this background is sometimes the white arum flower. They do not use the pollen of the flowers to camouflage themselves, as has been suggested. While arum lily frogs are only found in the Western Cape (and a small area of the Eastern Cape), they are not classified as threatened in the 2004 Red Data book. However, it is true that the species is becoming increasingly rare as their habitat is lost to urban development. Only buy from traders in demarcated areas - not roving hawkers While the illegal harvesting of arum lilies will not lead to the extinction of arum lily frogs, the sale of illegally harvested flora at traffic lights is cause for concern. If left unchecked, other illegally harvested plants such as proteas, ericas, and various bulb species may be seen at traffic lights in the future. The City does not wish to deter the public from purchasing flowers from hawkers - as long as they are legal retailers. All roving vendors and intersection traders selling flowers are illegal. However, traders selling flowers in demarcated trading bays are legal, and regulated by the City. The City encourages the public to report illegal trading on 021 596 1400/1424. "The ERM Department is always grateful when residents spread its messages because the need for awareness is so great. Unfortunately, this message has become lost in translation, and we hope that the correct information, as it appears above, will spread in the same manner," said the City's Biodiversity Co-ordinator, Clifford Dorse. The ERM Department is currently updating its pamphlets on frogs and lilies, and will distribute them widely in an attempt to ensure that the public receives the correct information. Last Updated ( Thursday, 02 September 2010 14:00 )

References

  1. ^ Kingdon, Jonathan (1989). Island Africa: The Evolution of Africa's Rare Plants and Animals. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press. pp. 55–58. ISBN 0-691-08560-9. 
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