Chris Spengler, owner of Afton Grove Country Retreat in Noordhoek – Cape Town, reports having recently found an Arum Lily Reed Frog (Hyperolius horstocki) on the glass pane of a dining door at the lodge recently.
The Red Data listed species – Western Leopard Toad (Bufo Pantherinus) is resident for most of the year on the lodge grounds at Afton Grove Country Retreat. Other species that also occur at Afton Grove are: Clicking Stream Frog (Strongylopus grayii), Cape Sand Frog (Tomopterna delalandii) and Clawed Frog / Common Platana (Xenopus laevis).
“It is a long time since I have been this excited about finding a small 35mm long beastie like this” reports Chris. “I often hear their call & have searched amongst the Arum Lilies during winter in the nearby wetland on a number of occasions to find this species, but without success. To think that this little beauty actually came looking for us!”
Frogs are very good indicators of the health of an ecosystem as they have the ability to absorb oxygen through their skin! If the local eco system becomes polluted, no more frogs! Following their tremendous success in the eco-tourism sector, Chris now plans to develop a Frogging list and route for the area.
