Hadromophryne natalensis (Hewitt, 1913)

Taxonomic Classification

The Natal ghost frog, with the scientific name Hadromophryne natalensis, is a frog species that belongs to the family Heleophrynidae. It is the only species classified within the genus Hadromophryne.

Geographic Range

This species occurs in Lesotho, South Africa, and Eswatini.

General Habitat

It is a common species that lives in montane forests and grasslands.

Breeding Habitat

The species lives and breeds in and around fast-flowing, perennial mountain streams, which are typically located above waterfalls that block fish access.

Adult Microhabitat

Adult Natal ghost frogs occupy rock crevices in cascades or in the riparian zone alongside streams.

Larval Morphology

The larvae have broad suctorial mouthparts, a streamlined body shape, and a muscular tail.

Larval Morphological Function

These traits allow them to feed and hold their position in fast torrent streams.

Larval Diet

Larvae feed on algal films and detritus found on rocks in these torrent streams.

Larval Development Requirements

Larval development can take up to two years to complete, so permanent streams are a requirement for this species to reproduce.

Anthropogenic Threats

Natal ghost frogs are potentially threatened by habitat changes brought on by afforestation, damming, stream siltation, and water extraction.

Invasive Species Threat

Introduced trout also have a negative impact on this species.