Knysna Spiny Reed Frog

About the Knysna Spiny Reed Frog

The Knysna banana frog, also called Knysna leaf-folding frog or Knysna spiny reed frog (Afrixalus knysnae), is a species of frog in the family Hyperoliidae endemic to South Africa. Its natural habitats are temperate forests, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marshes, arable land, water storage areas, and ponds.

It is threatened by habitat loss. The Knysna banana frog is a species known from around 7 locations at low altitude (< 250 m asl) on the south coast of South Africa on either side of the border between the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces. To the extent of scientists knowledge we know that the occurrence rate is 1,756 km². The area of occupancy has not been formally calculated but is known to be declining as some sites (like Covie) are presumed lost as no adults or tadpoles have been found there for at least three years. Although some sites are pristine, others are threatened by alien vegetation. Banana frogs are native to South Africa (Eastern Cape Province, Western Cape Province).

They live in coastal mosaic of vegetation types, including mountain fynbos heathland, and forest. The frogs breed in small... Wikipedia →