Desert Rain Frog - A strange chubby frog that makes a 'horrifying' screaming sound

The Desert Rain Frog, scientific name Breviceps macrops, is one of the strangest and rarest frogs in the world.

This is a small, flaccid frog; bulging eyes, short nose, short and webbed legs. Their skin is yellow brown and often sandy. The skin under their abdomen is transparent, internal organs can be seen.

Desert Rain Frog - A strange chubby frog that makes a 'horrifying' screaming sound Picture 1

Desert rain frogs lay eggs and the eggs develop directly into frogs, skipping the intermediate stage of development into tadpoles.

Desert rain frogs have a special defense. When in danger, they emit extremely "terrifying" screaming sounds to threaten their enemies.

Desert Rain Frog - A strange chubby frog that makes a 'horrifying' screaming sound Picture 2

Photographer Dean Boshoff got close enough to this frog and recorded the 'scary' sound they make. If you're brave enough, please listen to the video below.

The desert rain frog is native to Namibia and South Africa. Most of the day they hide deep in the sand, trying to cool and moisturize their bodies. They only come out of their hiding places when they are hungry to find prey. Their favorite foods are insects, bugs and moths. Their enemies are snakes and scorpions. Each time they hunt, the desert rain frog can catch more than 100 insects.

Desert Rain Frog - A strange chubby frog that makes a 'horrifying' screaming sound Picture 3

Currently, the desert rain frog species is in an endangered state, recorded in the IUCN Red List (international union for conservation of nature). The reason is because their habitat is destroyed by road opening activities. and human diamond mining.

Marvin Fry

Update 06 June 2024