Hairy frog

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Hairy frog
Trichobatrachus robustus.JPG
Male, showing hair-like papillae
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Arthroleptidae
Subfamily: Astylosterninae
Genus: Trichobatrachus
Boulenger, 1900
Species:
T. robustus
Binomial name
Trichobatrachus robustus
Boulenger, 1900
Synonyms

Astylosternus robustus

The hairy frog (Trichobatrachus robustus) also known as the horror frog or Wolverine frog, is a Central African species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It is typically considered monotypic within the genus Trichobatrachus, [2] but based on genetic it should be included in Astylosternus instead. [3] Its common name refers to the somewhat hair-like structures on the body and thighs of the breeding male.

Contents

Description

Illustration TrichobatrachusGreen.jpg
Illustration

Males are about 10–13 cm (4–5 in) long from snout to vent, while females are 8–11 cm (3–4.5 in). [4] The large head is broader than long, with a short rounded snout. The former have a paired internal vocal sac and three short ridges of small black spines along the inner surface of the first manual digit. Breeding males also develop hair-like dermal papillae that extend along the flanks and thighs. These contain arteries and are thought to increase the surface area for the purpose of absorbing oxygen (comparably to external gills of the aquatic stage), which is useful as the male stays with his eggs for an extended period of time after they have been laid in the water by the female.

The species is terrestrial, but returns to the water for breeding, where egg masses are laid onto rocks in streams. The quite muscular tadpoles are carnivorous and feature several rows of horned teeth. Adults feed on slugs, myriapods, spiders, beetles, and grasshoppers.

The hairy frog is also notable in possessing retractable "claws", which it may project through the skin, apparently by intentionally breaking the bones of the toe. [5] These are not true claws, as they are made of bone, not keratin. In addition, there is a small bony nodule nestled in the tissue just beyond the frog's fingertip. When sheathed, each claw is anchored to the nodule with tough strands of collagen. When the frog is grabbed or attacked, it breaks the nodule connection and forces the sharpened bones through the skin. [6] [7] Although a retraction mechanism is not known, it has been hypothesized that the claws later retract passively, while the damaged tissue is regenerated.

This type of natural weaponry appears to be unique in the animal kingdom, although the Otton frog possesses a similar "spike" in its thumb. [8] An alternative hypothesis is that the broken bones could provide a better grip on rocks. [9]

Distribution

It is found in Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria, and Angola, where it inhabits fast-flowing rivers in forests and agricultural lands that retain some cover (for example, plantations). [1]

Conservation status

T. robustus faces habitat loss, pollution, hunting for food (to lesser extent, also for the wild animal trade), and perhaps chytridiomycosis. Some populations are decreasing, but it has a large range and is not considered threatened overall. [1]

Relation with humans

This species is roasted and eaten in Cameroon. They are hunted with long spears or machetes. The Bakossi people traditionally believed that the frogs fall from the sky and, when eaten, it would help childless couples become fertile. [10]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arthroleptidae</span> Family of amphibians

The Arthroleptidae are a family of frogs found in sub-Saharan Africa. This group includes African treefrogs in the genus Leptopelis along with the terrestrial breeding squeakers Arthroleptis, and several genera restricted to the Guinean forests of central and west Africa, such as the hairy frog (Trichobatrachus).

<i>Astylosternus batesi</i> Species of frog

Astylosternus batesi is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It is found in Cameroon south of Sanaga River, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, southwestern Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, and the extreme western Democratic Republic of the Congo (Mayombe). The specific name batesi honours George Latimer Bates, an American naturalist. However, its vernacular name is Benito River night frog, apparently in reference to its type locality, Benito River in Equatorial Guinea.

<i>Astylosternus</i> Genus of amphibians

Astylosternus is a genus of frogs in the family Arthroleptidae. It contains 12 species found in an area spanning from Sierra Leone in West Africa to the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa, with a gap in the region of Ghana.

Astylosternus fallax, also known as the Fopouanga night frog, is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It is endemic to south-western Cameroon where it is known only from between Yabassi and Nkongsamba, from Mount Yuhan in the Korup National Park, and from Mount Nta Ali in the Mamfe basin.

Astylosternus montanus, also known as the mountain night frog or montane night frog, is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It is found in the mountains of western Cameroon and into the Obudu Plateau in adjacent south-eastern Nigeria.

Astylosternus nganhanus is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It is endemic to Cameroon and known from Mount Nganha on the Adamawa Plateau; it is probably endemic to that area. Common name Nganha night frog has been coined for it. This poorly known species is only known from five specimens.

<i>Astylosternus perreti</i> Species of frog

Astylosternus perreti, also known as Perret's night frog is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It is endemic to western Cameroon and known from Mount Manengouba and from parts of the Bamileke Highlands, at elevations of 1,200–1,400 m (3,900–4,600 ft) above sea level. It is one of the few species of African frogs to have claws, used on demand, when it feels threatened.

Astylosternus rheophilus is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It is endemic to western Cameroon. Common name Cameroon Range night frog has been coined for it. Two subspecies are recognized:

Astylosternus schioetzi is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It is endemic to south-western Cameroon and is only known from two areas near Edéa, Apouh and Koupongo, separated by the Sanaga River. The specific name schioetzi honours Arne Schiøtz, a Danish herpetologist who has worked extensively on African tree frogs. Common name Apouh night frog has been coined for this species.

Leptodactylodon bueanus is a species of frogs in the family Arthroleptidae. It is endemic to western Cameroon and known from the eastern slope of Mount Cameroon and from Bimbia Hill near Limbe. It was originally described as a subspecies of Leptodactylodon albiventris and is also similar to Leptodactylodon stevarti.

Afrixalus lacteus is a species of frog in the family Hyperoliidae. It is endemic to Cameroon and known from a few mountains in the western part of the country; specifically, it has been recorded from Mount Manengouba, Mount Nlonaka, and the southern Bamileke Highlands. Common name Cameroon banana frog has been coined for it. Prior to its description, it was confused with Afrixalus lindholmi.

Hyperolius dintelmanni is a species of frogs in the family Hyperoliidae. It is endemic to Cameroon and found in the montane southwestern part of the country. Specifically, it has been recorded from the Bakossi Mountains, including the Edib Hills and Mount Kupe. The specific name, dintelmanni, honors Mr. Horst Dintelmann from Germany in recognition of "his support of taxonomic research and forthcoming conservation projects in Cameroon".

Hyperolius kuligae is a species of frog in the family Hyperoliidae. It is found in southwestern Cameroon, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea and eastward to the central Democratic Republic of the Congo; it probably occurs in northern Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic too. It is also reported from Uganda, but the status of this population is unclear. The specific name kuligae honours Paul Kuliga (1878–1948), a physician who joined an expedition to Cameroon in 1936. Common names Camp Kivu reed frog and Kuliga reed frog have been proposed for it.

Leptopelis nordequatorialis, also known as the West Cameroon forest treefrog, is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It is found in central and western Cameroon and eastern Nigeria. It is closely related to Leptopelis anchietae and Leptopelis oryi.

<i>Phrynobatrachus calcaratus</i> Species of frog

Phrynobatrachus calcaratus, the Boutry river frog or Peters' puddle frog, is a species of frog in the family Phrynobatrachidae. It is widely distributed in West Africa and Middle Africa. However, this nominal species is a species complex consisting of several species.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lake Oku clawed frog</span> Species of amphibian

The Lake Oku clawed frog is a species of frog in the family Pipidae, endemic to Lake Oku, a small crater lake in northwest Cameroon. It is a small, dark-coloured, fully aquatic frog with a length of 28 to 36 mm, males being slightly smaller than females. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated this frog as "critically endangered" on the basis of its small area of occurrence at a single location, and the possibility that introduction of non-native fish into the lake could cause the frog to be wiped out.

Ptychadena perreti is a species of frog in the family Ptychadenidae. It is found in Cameroon, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, southwestern Central African Republic and northern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It might occur in the Cabinda enclave of Angola and mainland Equatorial Guinea. Common name Perret's grassland frog has been coined for it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bakossi people</span>

The Bakossi people are a Bantu ethnic group that live on the western and eastern slopes of Mount Mwanenguba and Mount Kupe in the Bakossi Mountains of Cameroon. They number about 200,000, mostly engaged in subsistence farming but also producing some coffee and cocoa.

<i>Leptodactylus fallax</i> Species of amphibian

Leptodactylus fallax, commonly known as the mountain chicken or giant ditch frog, is a critically endangered species of frog that is native to the Caribbean islands of Dominica and Montserrat. The population declined by at least 80% from 1995 to 2004, with further significant declines later. A tiny wild population remains on Dominica where there are efforts to preserve it, but few or none survive in the wild on Montserrat and its survival now relies on a captive breeding project involving several zoos. The initial decline was linked to hunting for human consumption, along with habitat loss and natural disasters, but the most serious threat now appears to be the fungal disease chytridiomycosis, which was the primary cause of the most recent rapid decline. On Montserrat it is known as the mountain chicken, while on Dominica it is known as the crapaud.

<i>Ecnomiohyla rabborum</i> Species of frog in the family Hylidae

Ecnomiohyla rabborum, commonly known as Rabbs' fringe-limbed treefrog, is a possibly extinct species of frog in the family Hylidae. They were relatively large frogs that inhabited the forest canopies of central Panama. Like other members of the genus Ecnomiohyla, they were capable of gliding by spreading their enormous and fully webbed hands and feet during descent. The males of the species were highly territorial and would guard water-filled tree holes used for breeding. They were also the ones responsible for guarding and caring for the young, including providing food. They were the only known species of frog where the tadpoles derived nutrition by feeding on the skin cells of their fathers.

References

  1. 1 2 3 IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2017). "Trichobatrachus robustus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2017: e.T54443A18361006. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T54443A18361006.en . Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. "Trichobatrachus ". Integrated Taxonomic Information System.
  3. Frost, Darrel R. (2023). "Astylosternus robustus (Boulenger, 1900)". Amphibian Species of the World 6.2, an Online Reference. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  4. Halliday, T. (2016). The Book of Frogs: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species from around the World. University Of Chicago Press. p. 436. ISBN   978-0226184654.
  5. "'Horror frog' breaks own bones to produce claws". NewScientist.com. 2008. Archived from the original on 2015-06-13. Retrieved 2017-08-29.
  6. "The superglue slug and other amazing animal defenders - CBBC Newsround". Archived from the original on 2019-02-15. Retrieved 2019-02-15.
  7. Durrell, G. The Bafut Beagles Rupert Hart-Davis, 1954; chapter 5.
  8. "Horror Frog, Frog Breaks Its Own Bones to Make Claws | PlanetSave". 22 April 2013. Archived from the original on 2014-03-02. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
  9. "News". Science - AAAS. 30 October 2014. Archived from the original on 15 February 2019. Retrieved 15 February 2019.
  10. Legrand N. Gonwouo & Mark-Oliver Rödel (20 February 2008). "The importance of frogs to the livelihood of the Bakossi people around Mount Manengouba, Cameroon, with special consideration of the Hairy Frog, Trichobatrachus robustus". Salamandra. 44 1: 23–34. ISSN   0036-3375. Archived from the original on 17 March 2016. Retrieved 10 July 2019.

Further reading