Pelophylax saharicus (Boulenger, 1913)

Species Introduction

The Sahara frog (Pelophylax saharicus) is a large frog species.

Size

An exceptional female specimen collected from Morocco measured 104.5 mm (4.1 in) from snout to vent.

Taxonomic Confusion

This species is sometimes confused with Perez's frog (Pelophylax perezi), and some published descriptions of the Sahara frog may actually partially describe Perez's frog instead.

Head Features

Its head is as wide as it is long, with an oval snout and horizontal pupils.

Male Vocal Sacs

Males have a pair of vocal sacs on their throat.

Dorsolateral Ridge

A distinct ridge runs from the nostrils, across the upper eyelids, and continues to the groin, separating the frog's back from its flanks.

Hind Feet Structure

The hind feet are webbed.

Body Coloration

The Sahara frog's body coloration is variable; individuals can be green, brown, or a mix of the two, and sometimes have darker spots.

Spinal Stripe Variation

Some individuals have a yellowish or greenish stripe running along their spine.

Leg Markings

The legs are always marked with spots or bars.

Geographical Range

The Sahara frog is native to North Africa, and its natural range includes Western Sahara, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt.

Habitat

It is an aquatic species, found in and near streams, oasis pools, irrigation canals, lakes, and other bodies of water.