Rose's rain frog[2] or Rose's rainfrog[3] (Breviceps rosei) is a species of frog in the family Brevicipitidae.[4] It is endemic to the sandveld of south-western coastal South Africa.[5] It is less-frequently known as Rose's short-headed frog,[6] Rose's Blaasop,[7] or the sand rain frog.[8] Some treat Breviceps fasciatus as a synonym of this species,[9] although other authorities have expressed doubt.[1]

Rose's rain frog
B. rosei ssp. rosei
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Brevicipitidae
Genus: Breviceps
Species:
B. rosei
Binomial name
Breviceps rosei
Power, 1926
Map
  Sand rain frog (Breviceps rosei rosei)
  Eastern Rose rain frog (Breviceps rosei vansoni)

Frogs in this species spend most of their lives in subterranean nests under sandy ground, where they lay their eggs. They surface during heavy rain. They cannot swim, and are not found in water. Tadpoles develop inside the eggs and hatch as fully formed baby frogs.[10]

Habitats

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Its natural habitats are temperate shrubland, Fynbos Mediterranean shrubland vegetation, sandy shores, arable land, pastureland, rural gardens, and urban areas. It is threatened by habitat loss, and its range is restricted to less than 20,000 square kilometers.[1] Despite this, its future seems secure, as it is very adaptable and remains locally abundant.[11]

Subspecies

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There are two subspecies found on separate coasts.[11] The sand rain frog (Breviceps rosei rosei) occurs on the west coast of the Western Cape, and on Robben Island. The eastern Rose rain frog (Breviceps rosei vansoni) occurs on the south coast of the Western Cape.[1]

Sources

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  1. ^ a b c d IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2013). "Breviceps rosei". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013: e.T57719A3062565. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-2.RLTS.T57719A3062565.en. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  2. ^ Channing, Alan. 2001. Amphibians of Central South Africa: pg. 224
  3. ^ Van Dijk, 1978, J. Herpetologist Association of Africa, 17: pg. 15
  4. ^ Frost, Darrel R. (2013). "Names described as 'Breviceps rosei'". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 5.6 (9 January 2013). Retrieved 30 November 2013.
  5. ^ Frost, Darrel. Breviceps rosei, Amphibian Species of the World 5.0, The American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved July 23, 2007.
  6. ^ Frank and Ramus, 1995, Compl. Guide Scient. Common Names Amph. Rept. World: 88
  7. ^ Rose, 1950, Rep. Amph. S. Afr.: 93
  8. ^ Passmore and Carruthers, 1978, J. Herpetol. Assoc. Afr., 19: 4; Passmore and Carruthers, 1979, S. Afr. Frogs: 96
  9. ^ Poynton, 1964, Ann. Natal Mus., 17: 77.
  10. ^ Channing, Alan. University of the Western Cape. Reproduced in Fynbos Frogs. Retrieved July 23, 2007.
  11. ^ a b Breviceps rosei, Amphibiaweb, retrieved July 23, 2007.