Giant Rain Frog

The species is endemic to South Africa, where it occurs in the far southwestern Cape, in Cape Town and northwards as far as Citrusdal. In this area it inhabits Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, known as fynbos, renosterveld, pastureland on farms, rural gardens, and even urban areas. It seems to adapt well to suburban gardens, but like most frog species it is vulnerable to herbicide poisons and domestic pets.

The Cape rain frog lives underground and usually emerges just before rains (whence it got its common name). It may also be seen in misty or damp conditions. Its burrowing provides a role in aerating soil in the southwestern Cape. It feeds on worms and small insects. When alarmed, it increases its apparent size by swallowing air; hence the species is given the Afrikaans common name of blaasoppie. As burrowing frogs, they have thick, muscular legs, which enable them to burrow for shelter. This species does not require open water to breed; in fact, it cannot swim and will drown if placed in water.