A rescued African Bullfrog reignited the conversation about endangered frogs in South Africa and raised awareness for these incredible amphibians.
Johannesburg, South Africa (11 March 2021) – The African Bullfrog, also known as the Giant Bullfrog, is an endangered species. The Giant Bullfrog lays in wait for the first summer rains to hit each year. Once the first rains arrive, the bullfrogs will come out and most likely end up on the roads or in human hands.
Did you know the African Bullfrog males can weigh up to 2kgs and grow to 20 – 25cm? The females are around half that. They are carnivorous and will consume nearly any animal that can be overpowered and can fit in their huge mouths. Their croaks sound amazing and add to the melody of the first rains each summer.
The Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital recently took in one of these incredible bullfrog’s that had been cruelly kept as a pet. This, in itself, is illegal due to its endangered status.
“After the intense rains that we experienced in the past few weeks, we saw an influx in patients such as this one, a juvenile Giant bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus). Generally, bullfrogs can be found aboveground during October to March, or after heavy rainfall, being most active in Gauteng between November and January.
After being kept illegally as a pet, he was brought to us for relocation. Once ensuring that he was in good health, and seeing his healthy appetite develop, this bullfrog was successfully released.”
If you do happen to find one on the road, stop and gently move it across to safety. We say gently because although this massive bullfrog seems sturdy, they need gentle handling as their bodies are quite fragile. So if you pick one up, hold it softly but firmly and then gently place it on the safer ground away from danger.
Below are the various donation options for the Wildlife Vet; they rely on donations that they use to treat indigenous wildlife for free, so if you can, you can donate through the methods below.
Snapscan: https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/PXMP5766
Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr… (For the USA and international-based donors)
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Johannesburg Wildlife NPC
FNB Cheque account
Account nr: 62658400264
Branch code: 255355
Swift code: FIRNZAJJ
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The African Bullfrog is a fascinating amphibian known for its impressive size and unique vocalizations. These resilient frogs can thrive in a variety of environments and exhibit remarkable behaviors, including their parental care.