And they lived happily ever after

"For most of history man has had to fight nature to survive. In this century he is beginning to realise that, in order to survive, he must protect it."
JACQUES COUSTEAU

IF ANYTHING, amphibians do us a great service - amphibians are the barometers of nature's harmony...

Frogs feed on large amounts of insects, arthropods and other small invertebrates and do so in great numbers, thereby helping to keep insect populations in check. They are a valuable food source to the birds, mongooses and other animal populations, and finally they let us know the state of the environment in any particular area.

MOST PEOPLE COMMONLY avoid any amphibian they come across citing that they are slimy, they may cause warts, they are noisy and they mess up the swimming pool.
Unfortunately all of these are great misconceptions.

They are natural indicators of environmental health.

Why do I say this? Over the last few years the scientific community has discovered that amphibians react very sensitively to their surroundings and they are now known as environmental indicators, warning us of the presence of environmental pollutants.

An amphibian has permeable skin, with high absorption qualities. They absorb oxygen directly through their skin, which allows them to stay underwater for long periods of time but this permeability also means they are also directly affected by environmental factors. Their presence in wet or moist forested and grassland areas means that they are often the first animals to be exposed to any form of waterborne pollution, contaminants, disease, UV radiation, silt, chemicals, pesticides, or any changes that occur in the functionality of a riverine system.

Many people are uncertain as to what a frog is and what a toad is. The terms originally hail from Britain, where centuries ago there were only two genera of amphibians, bufo (toads) and rana (frogs). Now the criteria that were applied to describe them were frogs are cute and likeable, whilst toads are ugly and certainly disliked. This rule is still broadly applied today, but there are definite characteristics that distinguish them. Meanwhile our knowledge globally of these amazing animals has grown significantly and now there are several new genera, including the 'tree frogs' and 'squeakers'.

Zimbali Coastal Resort is extremely fortunate to have at least 13 confirmed species (10%) of amphibian, out of a total of 129 species in the Southern African region. They are found throughout the Resort, occurring in a variety of different natural habitats.

Wetlands

The reed-lined pans and the stream on the golf course are filled with frogs. There is the Common Platanna, who is almost waterbound, whilst the grassy edges are home to the Greater Leaf-folding Frog. This species protects its eggs by laying them into a partially submerged grass blade, which it then folds into a tube and seals with a sticky secretion leaving the eggs to develop in isolation. The beautiful yet loud Painted Reed Frogs adorn the reeds like little jewels calling prolifically.

The Argus Reed Frog calls in groups around the lilies and also lays eggs in clusters around the vegetation. The Waterlily Reed Frog calls persistently from its favourite home, and protects its egg." by laying them between overlapping lily pads, which are also glued together with a secretion to protect them from the unwanted attentions of hungry fish, birds and other amphibians.

Moist Grass patches

The little wet grass patches occurring throughout the golf course are often packed with amphibians. One of them, the shy yet athletic Sharp-nosed Crass Frog, is the world record holder for the longest jump (10, 3 meters). A nondescript yet talented hunter, this frog uses its superior jumping ability to evade danger and capture prey. The Common Caco, a tiny and elusive species who sounds like a small insect, is commonly found around the greens and golf course edges. When in close proximity to a threat, this species expands its vocal sacs to almost the same size as its body and releases a pent up explosive 'tick' call that is painful to the human ear.

A famous performer, whose ventriloquial calls are almost a certain feature of the summer nights at Zimbali, is the ubiquitous Bubbling Kassina, who hides in animal burrows during the day, often away from water. They begin their chorus of liquid 'quoip' calls late in the afternoon responding to each other. Often the calls just seem to emanate in the ground around you and that's exactly what is happening. These frogs then move off to water, either running or walking but never do they hop. Now that might seem strange but not all frogs hop or jump. On arrival they find a calling site, and then the evening's orchestra begins. The Snoring Puddle Frog, who is an early starter, often joins them. This species loves wet patches of grass and vleis, and is a persistent caller earlier in the day.

Open Areas

Sensitive, caring, handsome and in tune with his surrounds... frogs onlv inhabit environments that offer them clean natural conditions - making them an indicative species.

The Bushveld Rain Frog is the truly terrestrial species. Adapted for life without water, this species digs burrows where both sexes literally glue themselves to each other. Eventually on completion of mating, the female frog secretes a chemical that releases the male. The young tadpoles spend their entire development underground in the chamber. The Guttural Toad, often mistaken for a bullfrog, is commonly seen around Zimbali Coastal Resort residences at night. It often sits beneath garden lights along pathways, gorging itself on the insect bounty drawn to the light.

Coastal Forest

A truly innovative amphibian, commonly heard but almost never seen, is the Bush Squeaker. Cryptically camouflaged and very hard to find, this species is restricted to the forest undergrowth. It calls persistently during rain or misty days. All it takes is a little atmospheric moisture to start them up. Like some other species, the Bush Squeaker has dispensed with the tadpole stage because it lays its eggs in the leaf litter and not in water.

A miniature version of the adult (3mm) emerges from the egg to begin its life on the forest floor. Another common resident of this habitat is the Forest Tree Frog.

Photo : Geoff Nichols

Unlike the Squeaker, it is adapted for life in the trees and uses its agility and adhesive toes to climb and hunt along branches, foliage and bark. It comes down to mate on the stream bank in summers and lay eggs in a mass close to the water.

Frogs do not have diaphragms so they pump air through their throat, which they can often be seen doing when they are at rest.

With such a high level of amphibian diversity, Zimbali Coastal Resort is truly blessed. So when enjoying those beautiful Spring and Summer nights, keep an ear out for those noisy vocal neighbours who add a little more to our lives. We owe it to them to manage our environment soundly.

Text: ASHWELL GLASSON Photography: GEOFF NICHOLS

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