Cape Mountain Rain Frog

Afrikaans name: Kaapse reënpadda

Cape Mountain Rain Frog

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Breviceps montanus

The Cape Rain Frog belongs to a small “group” of frogs that are sometimes referred to as Fynbos Rain Frogs. This gives a strong clue as to where this species, and others in the group, can be found.

They are restricted to the fynbos areas predominantly found in the coastal belt of the Western Cape as well as some of the interior highlands. Although fynbos is their main habitat, they do also find their way into nearby gardens. They dig burrows in the ground and that is where they rest and breed.

After mating the female will lay her fertilised eggs into the burrow and that is where the tadpoles hatch and live until they are ready to face the world as little frogs.

The Cape Rain Frog reaches a maximum size of 3 cm. Their bodies are round, and their legs are short. They have a darkish band down their backs and their skin is quite rough. They are lighter underneath with flecks. The throat of the male is darker than that of the female.

References and further reading

Frogs & Frogging in South Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Vincent Carruthers and Louis du Preez - Published: 2011 - Page: 72

Sasol First Field Guide to Frogs of Southern Africa - Author: Vincent Carruthers - Published: 2012 - Page: 34

South African Frogs - Author: Passmore & Carruthers - Published: 1979 - Page: 94

Frogs & Frogging in South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Vincent Carruthers - Published: 2001 - Page: 66

A complete guide to the Frogs of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: L du Preez & V Carruthers - Published: 2009 - Page: 118

Field Guide to Fynbos Fauna - Author: Cliff & Suretha Dorse - Published: 2023 - Page: 26

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