Frogs place a very important part in the food chain, both as predator and prey.
Climate change, pollution, the use of harmful pesticides and over collection are all contributing factors, but habitat loss and a parasitic fungus amphibian chytrid are the biggest threats.
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park has the highest number of frog species in southern Africa. Protected areas like these parks are crucially important to the survival of many of these species. Urban and rural developments, forestry and agricultural practices are causing rapid losses of habitat.
Listed Below is some of the frog species that are rare, threatened or endemic that has been recorded in and around St Lucia.
The small Pickers gill’s Read Frog
(Hyperolius pickersgill) is listed as Endangered in the Red Data Book*. This rare species is endemic to Kwazulu-Natal and sightings have been recorded near St Lucia Village.
Spotted Shovel Nosed Frog
(Hemisus guttatus) is a rare species endemic to Kwazulu Natal and Mpumalanga and is listed as vulnerable.
Natal Leaf Folding Frog
(Afrixalus spinifrons spinifrons) is a rare species endemic to South Africa and is listed as vulnerable. Confirmed sightings have been made in St Lucia Village.
Whistling Rain Frog
(Breviceps sopranus) a recently described species is listed as Data Deficient
The Forest Tree Frog
(Leptopelis natalensis) is a rare species endemic to Kwazulu Natal and the Northern Part of the Eastern Cape Province and is listed as vulnerable.
