These “angry avocados” are now classified as a vulnerable species
While these frogs may look mean, they’re far from it. They have every right to be angry, though, as their habitat is under attack.
Civilization and its expansion is threatening the black frogs habitat in sub-Saharan Africa.
Their territories – ranging from woodland to grassland savannas, and to coastal sand dunes – are being fragmented due to new roads and afforestation.
With the destruction of their grasslands, the black frog is now found in just seven locations.
Little is known of their ecology because they spends most of the year underground, only to surface when it rains.
Using their spade-like feet, rain fogs burrow backwards into the soil, enclosing themselves in a mucous cocoon until it first rains.
After this prolonged dormancy, which can last months, the frogs make their way out to feast on a range of invertebrates.
Protection of Bilbo’s Rain Frog, which is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, is difficult due to the lack of knowledge of its population size and general ecology.
Further research is required to determine what measures must be taken for its conservation.