Natalobatrachus bonebergi Hewitt & Methuen, 1912

Common Names

Natalobatrachus bonebergi, commonly called the Natal diving frog, is also known as Boneberg's frog and Kloof frog.

Taxonomy

It is a species of frog in the family Pyxicephalidae, and it is the only species in the monotypic genus Natalobatrachus.

Endemic Range

This species is endemic to South Africa.

Size

It is a small- to medium-sized frog, with females reaching up to 37 mm in length and males reaching up to 25 mm in length.

General Habitat and Threat Status

Its natural habitats are temperate forests and rivers, and it is currently threatened by habitat loss.

Geographic Distribution

Its distribution is restricted to south-eastern South Africa, ranging from the Dwesa Nature Reserve in the Eastern Cape to Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve and other reserves in south and central KwaZulu-Natal province.

Elevation Range

It is only found at elevations below 900 m above sea level.

Specific Habitat Features

Its habitat includes ground-coastal bush and gallery bush, particularly afforestation strips along rivers.

Mating Site

Mating takes place in streams.

Egg Laying Behavior

Females lay eggs in foam egg clutches that attach to branches hanging over the water.

Tadpole Development

After hatching, the tadpoles fall into the water, where they continue developing into adult small frogs.