Xenopus laevis

(Daudin, 1802)

Vernacular names
English : African clawed frog
French : Xénope du Cap

Classification
Class : Amphibia
Order : Anura
Family : Pipidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to 12 cm for a weight of 200 g. The species lacks tongue and visible ear drum. Body flattened, small head. Eyes are on top of head. Presence of claws on digits of hindlegs. Mottled beige-brown to greyish-green.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in Subsaharan Africa, from Nigeria and Sudan south to South Africa although some populations are probably belonging to different species. Found in ponds, lakes and wetlands in semi-arid areas, to 3000 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a very large range and despite pollution and collection for the trade, it remains locally common to abundant. No immediate threats.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “Frogs, Toads and relatives” page