Boutry River Frog

Meet *Phrynobatrachus calcaratus*, also known as the Boutry River Frog or Peters' Puddle Frog. This small amphibian belongs to the family Phrynobatrachidae and is commonly found across West and Central Africa. Interestingly, what we refer to as *Phrynobatrachus calcaratus* actually represents a group of several closely related species.

Appearance

*Phrynobatrachus calcaratus* is a diminutive frog with a rounded snout and moderately warty skin. Males typically range from 11-19 mm in length, while females are slightly larger, ranging from 16-23 mm. Their toes and fingers lack webbing and do not have enlarged tips. Their dorsal surfaces are usually greenish or brownish, occasionally featuring a red stripe along their back. During the breeding season, males display a black vocal sac on their throat.

Habitat

These frogs favor gallery forests within humid savannas, secondary forests along streams, and even farm bush areas. They are also present in unburned savannas. Although they prefer lowland habitats, they have been observed at elevations up to 1,200 meters in Cameroon.

Reproduction

During the breeding season, male *Phrynobatrachus calcaratus* call out near water bodies to attract females. Females then lay several hundred eggs, which hatch within three days. Tadpoles grow rapidly, reaching maturity in about four to five months. These frogs have a relatively short lifespan, typically dying within a few months after spawning.

Conservation Status

Fortunately, the IUCN lists *Phrynobatrachus calcaratus* as a species of "Least Concern." Owing to their adaptability, broad distribution, and stable population numbers, these frogs are not considered at risk.