Cape Caco

morphology

C. capense is the largest member of the genus, attaining a maximum snout-vent length of 39 mm. It has an elongated body with a relatively small head and a horizontal pupil. The fingers and toes lack webbing. The palmar tubercles are poorly developed, the outer metatarsal tubercles are absent, and inner metatarsal tubercles are prominent and flange-like. A pair of large blister-like glands is present on the lower back, at the level of the urostyle, with another pair on the flanks, while numerous smaller glands are often scattered over the rest of the dorsum. The dorsum varies in colour from grey to cream or light brown, with speckles and flecks of dark brown, orange or green. The ventral surface is creamy white, distinctively marked with large, irregular, olive to black blotches, and males have a dark throat (Text from Minter et al., 2004, © SI/MAB Biodiversity Program).

African Amphibians

behaviour

This species aestivates underground during the dry season. Its survival in regularly cultivated lands suggests that the frogs may burrow to depths below the reach of conventional ploughs (Text from Minter et al., 2004, © SI/MAB Biodiversity Program).

African Amphibians

conservation

This species was previously listed as Rare (McLachlan 1978), and Restricted (Branch 1988), and Harrison et al. (2001) currently listed this species as Vulnerable (Text from Minter et al., 2004, © SI/MAB Biodiversity Program).

African Amphibians

distribution

C. capense is endemic to the winter-rainfall region of the Western Cape (Text from Minter et al., 2004, © SI/MAB Biodiversity Program).

African Amphibians