Sahara frog

Presentation

Sahara frog is a medium-sized anuran belonging to the Ranidae family. Characterized by its smooth, shiny green to green-brown skin, this species is well adapted to the aquatic environments of North Africa.

This frog is distinguished by its smooth, shiny green skin, sometimes with darker spots or mottling. The hind legs are robust and have developed swimming membranes. Protruding eyes and visible eardrums are major defining features.

Characteristics

Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.

Habitat and distribution

This frog colonizes rivers, lakes, ponds and permanent or semi-permanent wetlands. It particularly likes well-oxygenated fresh water, often bordered by dense aquatic vegetation which provides it with refuge and hunting grounds. It avoids polluted stagnant water.

Behaviour

A very aquatic amphibious species, it spends most of its time in fresh water where it swims with agility. It is particularly active during hot and humid periods. These frogs are often gregarious and gather in large numbers in suitable areas, especially during reproduction.

Reproduction

Reproduction generally takes place in spring and summer, when water conditions are favorable. Males emit characteristic mating songs to attract females. After amplexus, the female lays numerous eggs in clusters which hatch into aquatic tadpoles, which undergo gradual metamorphosis.

Peculiarities

Remarkable ability to jump short distances and swim powerfully thanks to its webbed feet. It has skin that is sufficiently moist to partially breathe transcutaneously. Its mating song is a powerful croaking sound that can be heard several hundred meters away, especially during nighttime choirs.

Threats and conservation

Although classified as Least Concern, the species faces progressive degradation of its habitats due to drought, reduction of water sources and development of wetlands. Water pollution and the introduction of competing or predatory species constitute additional threats to monitor.

References

UICN — Liste rouge des espèces menacées

Profile updated 28 August 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.