Giant Rain Frog
Breviceps gibbosus
Silhouette: Jose Carlos Arenas-Monroy · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAmphibia (Amphibians)
- OrderAnura (Frogs and Toads)
- FamilyBrevicipitidae (Rain frogs)
- GenusBreviceps (Rain Frogs)
- SpeciesBreviceps gibbosus (Giant Rain Frog)
About the Giant Rain Frog
The cape rain frog or giant rain frog (Breviceps gibbosus) is a species of frog in the family Brevicipitidae. Adults grow up to 45 mm in length. It was the first African frog species to be scientifically described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, under the name Rana gibbosa. It is the most common and largest of rain frogs. The name "rain frog" that is applied to the genus refers to a belief that these frogs bring rain.
The species is endemic to South Africa, where it occurs in the far southwestern Cape, in Cape Town and northwards as far as Citrusdal. In this area it inhabits Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, known as fynbos, renosterveld, pastureland on farms, rural gardens, and even urban areas. It seems to adapt well to suburban gardens, but like most frog species it is vulnerable to herbicide poisons and domestic pets.
Breviceps gibbosus is part of the family Brevicipitidae. All species in this family of frog are considered terrestrial breeders by laying and burrowing eggs. The cape rain frog exhibits a rounded shape, with short arms. There are sexual dimorphisms between sexes, the females are larger in size compared to the males. Cape... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Giant Rain Frog in Table Mountain National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Table Mountain National Park
Mountain Rain Frog
Breviceps montanus
Rose's Rain Frog
Breviceps rosei
Western Leopard Toad
Sclerophrys pantherina
Cape River Frog
Amietia fuscigula
Clicking Stream Frog
Strongylopus grayii
Painted Reed Frog
Hyperolius marmoratus
Lightfoot's moss frog
Arthroleptella lightfooti
Cape sand frog
Tomopterna delalandii
Sand Toad
Vandijkophrynus angusticeps
African Clawed Frog
Xenopus laevis
Flat Dainty frog
Cacosternum platys
Banded Stream Frog
Strongylopus bonaespei
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Table Mountain National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
More parks will be added in future updates.
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Giant Rain Frog in Table Mountain National Park?
About 10% of wildlife watchers report a Giant Rain Frog sighting in Table Mountain National Park, based on 153 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Giant Rain Frog in Table Mountain National Park?
June has the highest sighting rate for Giant Rain Frog in Table Mountain National Park in our monthly data.