Hairy frog
Male, showing hair-like papillae
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Arthroleptidae
Subfamily: Astylosterninae
Genus: Trichobatrachus
Boulenger, 1900
Species:
T. robustus
Binomial name
Trichobatrachus robustus
Boulenger, 1900
Synonyms

Astylosternus robustus

The hairy frog (Trichobatrachus robustus) also known as the horror frog or Wolverine frog, is a Central African species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae. It is typically considered monotypic within the genus Trichobatrachus,[2] but based on genetic it should be included in Astylosternus instead.[3] Its common name refers to the somewhat hair-like structures on the body and thighs of the breeding male.

Description

Illustration

Males are about 10–13 cm (4–5 in) long from snout to vent, while females are 8–11 cm (3–4.5 in).[4] The large head is broader than long, with a short rounded snout. The former have a paired internal vocal sac and three short ridges of small black spines along the inner surface of the first manual digit. Breeding males also develop hair-like dermal papillae that extend along the flanks and thighs. These contain arteries and are thought to increase the surface area for the purpose of absorbing oxygen (comparably to external gills of the aquatic stage), which is useful as the male stays with his eggs for an extended period of time after they have been laid in the water by the female.

The species is terrestrial, but returns to the water for breeding, where egg masses are laid onto rocks in streams. The quite muscular tadpoles are carnivorous and feature several rows of horned teeth. Adults feed on slugs, myriapods, spiders, beetles, and grasshoppers.

The hairy frog is also notable in possessing retractable "claws", which it may project through the skin, apparently by intentionally breaking the bones of the toe.[5] These are not true claws, as they are made of bone, not keratin. In addition, there is a small bony nodule nestled in the tissue just beyond the frog's fingertip. When sheathed, each claw is anchored to the nodule with tough strands of collagen. When the frog is grabbed or attacked, it breaks the nodule connection and forces the sharpened bones through the skin.[6][7] Although a retraction mechanism is not known, it has been hypothesized that the claws later retract passively, while the damaged tissue is regenerated.

This type of natural weaponry appears to be unique in the animal kingdom, although the Otton frog possesses a similar "spike" in its thumb.[8] An alternative hypothesis is that the broken bones could provide a better grip on rocks.[9]

Distribution

It is found in Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria, and Angola, where it inhabits fast-flowing rivers in forests and agricultural lands that retain some cover (for example, plantations).[1]

Conservation status

T. robustus faces habitat loss, pollution, hunting for food (to lesser extent, also for the wild animal trade), and perhaps chytridiomycosis. Some populations are decreasing, but it has a large range and is not considered threatened overall.[1]

Relation with humans

This species is roasted and eaten in Cameroon. They are hunted with long spears or machetes. The Bakossi people traditionally believed that the frogs fall from the sky and, when eaten, it would help childless couples become fertile.[10]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2017). "Trichobatrachus robustus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T54443A18361006. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T54443A18361006.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ↑ "Trichobatrachus ". Integrated Taxonomic Information System.
  3. ↑ Frost, Darrel R. (2023). "Astylosternus robustus (Boulenger, 1900)". Amphibian Species of the World 6.2, an Online Reference. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  4. ↑ Halliday, T. (2016). The Book of Frogs: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species from around the World. University Of Chicago Press. p. 436. ISBN 978-0226184654.
  5. ↑ "'Horror frog' breaks own bones to produce claws". NewScientist.com. 2008. Archived from the original on 2015-06-13. Retrieved 2017-08-29.
  6. ↑ "The superglue slug and other amazing animal defenders - CBBC Newsround". Archived from the original on 2019-02-15. Retrieved 2019-02-15.
  7. ↑ Durrell, G. The Bafut Beagles Rupert Hart-Davis, 1954; chapter 5.
  8. ↑ "Horror Frog, Frog Breaks Its Own Bones to Make Claws | PlanetSave". 22 April 2013. Archived from the original on 2014-03-02. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
  9. ↑ "News". Science - AAAS. 30 October 2014. Archived from the original on 15 February 2019. Retrieved 15 February 2019.
  10. ↑ Legrand N. Gonwouo & Mark-Oliver Rödel (20 February 2008). "The importance of frogs to the livelihood of the Bakossi people around Mount Manengouba, Cameroon, with special consideration of the Hairy Frog, Trichobatrachus robustus". Salamandra. 44 1: 23–34. ISSN 0036-3375. Archived from the original on 17 March 2016. Retrieved 10 July 2019.

Further reading

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