Celebrate World Frog Day!
Intaka Island is home to three commonly known frog species: the Painted Reed Frog, Clicking Stream Frog, and Cape River Frog. Last year, we were fortunate to spot all three – along with a bonus sighting of the elusive Common Platanna!
To celebrate World Frog Day on 20 March 2024, we hosted a highly successful Frog Walk, where we explored the island’s diverse amphibian life. This year, we turn our focus to a particularly special species – the Arum Lily Frog.
The fascinating Arum Lily frog
Did you know that Arum Lily Frogs often shelter within Arum Lilies? While they are frequently found nestled in these elegant flowers, they do not rely on them for breeding. Instead, they lay their eggs in wetlands, making use of seasonal water bodies.
Spotting an Arum Lily Frog in its natural hiding place is a remarkable experience. Despite our efforts, we have yet to find one this year. Could this be linked to the widespread harvesting of Arum Lilies by street vendors across Cape Town and South Africa? It’s a question worth considering.
Meet the Arum Lily frog
Also known as Horstock’s Arum-Frog or Horstock’s Reed Frog, this species belongs to the Hyperoliidae family. Their name comes from their habit of resting at the base of Arum Lilies – large, tubular flowers with broad green leaves and striking white blooms. These flowers flourish in wetlands, along rivers, and in seasonally flooded areas, providing a perfect hiding place for the frogs.
Arum Lily Frogs have a pale coloration that helps them blend seamlessly into the flowers, making them nearly invisible to predators and their insect prey. Adults grow up to 40mm in length and have distinctive dark stripes along their sides. Their bright orange, webbed feet – often tucked beneath their bodies – are another striking feature.
Although these frogs frequently use Arum Lilies for shelter, they are not dependent on them. Their breeding season occurs in spring and summer, with eggs laid in wetland environments rather than in the flowers themselves.
Why frogs matter
Frogs, including the Arum Lily Frog, play a crucial role as bio-indicators. Because they rely on both terrestrial and aquatic environments throughout their life cycles, they are highly sensitive to environmental changes. Their semi-permeable skin makes them particularly vulnerable to pollution, making them a key indicator of ecosystem health.
While the Arum Lily Frog is not currently listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, habitat loss due to urban expansion and agricultural development has led to the disappearance of some populations.
The impact of Arum Lily harvesting
There has been ongoing debate about the impact of Arum Lily harvesting on frog populations. While the exact effects remain unclear, this discussion has helped raise awareness about the illegal trade of Western Cape flora. To protect indigenous plant species, it’s important to purchase flowers only from legally licensed vendors in designated areas – rather than from informal sellers at traffic lights.
By supporting ethical and sustainable practices, we can help preserve the delicate balance of our local ecosystems and protect species like the Arum Lily Frog for future generations.
Join us for a special Frog Walk on International Save the Frog Day
Conceived and coordinated by Save The Frogs! Save The Frogs Day is the world’s largest day of amphibian education and conservation action. On this day we encourage the appreciation and celebration of amphibians by people from all walks of life.
Please mark your calendar for the 17th Annual Save The Frogs Day, which will be celebrated worldwide on Monday 28 April 2025. Come join us at Intaka Island for a special Frog Walk. More details will be shared soon!
