Short Communication

Natal tree frog (Leptopelis natalensis) breeding observations

Published in: African Zoology
Volume 61 , issue 3, pages: 162–165

DOI: 10.1080/15627020.2026.2694757

Author(s): Kirsty J KyleCentre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Diane G KyleTownbush Valley, South Africa, Louis H du PreezUnit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, South Africa, Colleen T DownsCentre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa,

Keywords: axillary amplexus, communal nesting, egg clusters, reproduction, tadpoles,

Download full text Get new issue alerts

Abstract

With little known about the breeding behaviour and reproductive modes of southern African Leptopelis species, we herein summarise what is known about the breeding biology of the Natal tree frog (Leptopelis natalensis) and describe a breeding event observed in a residential garden in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa in November 2024. We provide new information about their amplexus mode, egg size, clutch size, tadpole size and tadpole mode of locomotion. We also hypothesise about communal nesting and natal homing in this species.

« Developing a simple automatic elephant detection system aimed at achieving individual recognition in a specific forest site using image processing and supervised machine learning

Short Communication

Natal tree frog (Leptopelis natalensis) breeding observations

Abstract

Get new issue alerts for African Zoology

Latest news

Latest articles