Are desert rain frogs good pets? Absolutely. Desert rain frogs, with their distinctive features and captivating behaviors, have captured the curiosity of many, leading to questions about their suitability as pets. At PETS.EDU.VN, we delve into the fascinating world of desert rain frogs, offering insights into their care, requirements, and whether they make good companions. Discover if this unique amphibian is the right pet for you, along with tips on habitat setup and responsible ownership. Let’s explore amphibian care, exotic pet ownership, and small animal keeping together.
Table of Contents
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Desert Rain Frog: In a Glimpse
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10 Fascinating Facts About Desert Rain Frogs
2.1. Scientific Classification
2.2. Physical Description
2.3. Distribution and Habitats
2.4. Behavior
2.5. Vocalization
2.6. Moisture Conservation
2.7. Reproduction and Breeding
2.8. Diets
2.9. Predators
2.10. Threats
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Is a Desert Rain Frog a Good Pet or Not?
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How to Buy and What is the Price of a Desert Rain Frog?
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Requirements and Care
5.1. Tanks and Substrate
5.2. Temperature and Humidity
5.3. Feeding
5.4. Cleaning
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Desert Rain Frog: In a Glimpse
| Common Name: | Desert Rain Frog |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name: | Breviceps macrops |
| Other Names: | Boulenger’s short-headed frog and web-footed rain frog |
| Group Name: | Army, colony |
| Adult Length: | 4-6 cms (1.5-2.5 inches) |
| Adult Weight: | 11-14 grams (0.39-0.49 ounces) |
| Color: | Yellowish-Brown |
| Skin Type: | Transparent |
| Distribution: | Namibia and South Africa |
| Habitat: | Sand dunes |
| Characteristics: | Nocturnal |
| Lives in: | Burrows usually in moist soil and 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) deep |
| Vocal Sound: | High-pitch squeak during mating season. |
| Breeding Season: | June-October |
| Litter Size: | 12-40 |
| Distinctive Feature: | Inner parts of the body can be seen, high-pitch squeak during mating season, turns to adult directly from eggs, cannot jump due to stout body with small legs. |
| Diets: | Moths, beetles, insect larvae |
| Predators: | Eagles, Honey Badgers, Snakes, Antelopes etc |
| Life Span: | 3-5 years but in captivity up to 15 years |
| Speed: | 10 km/h (6.2 mph) |
| Threats: | Opencast diamond mining, road construction, increasing human settlement and hunting. |
| IUCN Status: | Near Threatened |
| Can be a pet? | Yes |
2. 10 Fascinating Facts About Desert Rain Frogs
2.1. Scientific Classification
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Brevicipitidae |
| Genus: | Breviceps |
| Species: | Breviceps macrops |
2.2. Physical Description
The desert rain frog (Breviceps macrops) is known for its rounded body, bulging eyes, short snout, short limbs, and webbed toes. Its translucent skin allows you to see its internal organs. Adult rain frogs can measure between 4 to 6 cm (1.5 to 2.5 inches) in length and weigh approximately 11 to 14 grams (0.39 to 0.49 ounces). Their skin is typically yellowish-brown or caramel-colored.
Unlike other frog species, the desert rain frog bypasses the tadpole stage, hatching directly into froglets. Their stout bodies and small legs with webbed feet make them less suited for hopping; instead, they mostly walk on sand. Unlike many other frog species, the desert rain frog doesn’t require standing water to survive.
2.3. Distribution and Habitats
Desert rain frogs have a limited distribution, found only within a narrow 10 km (6.2 miles) wide strip along the coasts of Namibia and South Africa. This region is characterized by arid dunes and minimal rainfall.
The desert rain frog’s habitat exemplifies xerophytic vegetation, adapted to thrive in arid conditions with scarce water.
How does the desert rain frog survive without water?
These frogs adapt to water scarcity by burrowing underground during dry periods, conserving moisture. Their transparent skin enables them to absorb water from the environment. Fog plays a crucial role in their survival, providing essential moisture.
2.4. Behavior
Desert rain frogs are primarily nocturnal. During the day, they reside in burrows 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) deep, dug into moist soil. At night, they emerge from their burrows to explore the sandy dunes.
Their footprints are a distinctive feature, often found near dung patches where they hunt for smaller insects. The presence of a small heap of sand typically indicates their burrow.
Are Desert Rain Frogs Poisonous?
No, desert rain frogs are non-poisonous. They emit a loud, high-pitched squeak as a defense mechanism when threatened.
2.5. Vocalization
Despite their small size, desert rain frogs are known for their loud, high-pitched squeaks, often described as a “war cry.” These sounds, resembling angry dogs chewing toys, have earned them the nickname “angry rain frog.” This vocalization occurs primarily during the mating season or when the frog feels threatened.
2.6. Moisture Conservation
Living in arid regions, desert rain frogs have transparent skin with specialized glands that help retain moisture and stay hydrated during droughts. With minimal rainfall (around 50 mm or 2 inches annually), fog is a crucial source of moisture. Other sources include food, small insects, and occasional rainfall.
2.7. Reproduction and Breeding
The breeding season for desert rain frogs typically occurs between June and October. On foggy nights, the male frog emerges from its burrow, emitting a distinctive squeaking sound to attract a female partner.
When a female approaches, the pair retreats underground to mate. The female then lays a clutch of 12-40 eggs. Unlike other frog species, the eggs hatch directly into froglets, bypassing the tadpole stage. These froglets are fully developed, capable of moving and hunting small insects on their own.
2.8. Diets
Desert rain frogs are insectivorous, feeding on small insects, larvae, moths, and beetles. They are nocturnal hunters. Cannibalism is not observed in this species.
2.9. Predators
The desert rain frog faces predation from various animals, including the Cape eagle owl, black eagle, Cinnamon-breasted warbler, honey badger, antelopes, snakes, scorpions, and rodents.
2.10. Threats
Desert rain frogs face several anthropogenic threats that could lead to their extinction. Their habitat and population have been diminishing due to opencast diamond mining, road construction, and increasing human settlement.
Currently, the habitat range of desert rain frogs is less than 2000 sq. km (772 sq miles) and is highly fragmented. While the exact current population size is unclear, their numbers were previously declining.
South Africa has banned opencast mining in the region to help restore the frog population, but there is no concrete evidence of recovery. Desert frogs are also considered a delicacy in some tribal cultures and are hunted for their meat. Some countries, like the United States, have banned the import of this species.
Conservation Status:
Desert rain frogs are listed as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, they are not listed in CITES.
3. Is a Desert Rain Frog a Good Pet or Not?
Desert rain frogs are not dangerous or poisonous to humans or other animals. Keeping them as pets is permissible, provided it is legal in your country.
Before acquiring one as a pet, ensure you can provide ample space for digging and burrowing. Regulate temperature and humidity, and provide proper nutrition.
Do not expect affection from your desert rain frog, as they do not form emotional bonds with humans. Their interaction with you is primarily based on food provision. You are essentially their food source.
In summary, desert rain frogs can be good pets because they are non-poisonous and low-maintenance. Taking care of them is easy once their habitat is properly set up. Ensuring they feel safe, secure, and healthy is crucial for their longevity, as stressed frogs do not survive long.
4. How to Buy and What is the Price of a Desert Rain Frog?
Desert rain frogs are not commonly kept as domestic pets in the Western world, but they are not impossible to find. You can inquire at local pet shops or order them online, depending on your location. Numerous websites facilitate the purchase of frogs worldwide with just a few clicks.
The price of these frogs varies depending on their availability. In the USA, they typically cost between $45 and $150, depending on location and availability. In the UK and other European countries, they may cost around £50-£120.
5. Requirements and Care
5.1. Tanks and Substrate
A larger tank is preferable for desert rain frogs. A minimum of a 10-gallon tank with a secure lid and ventilation is recommended. The substrate should be at least 4 inches deep, consisting of moist sand or a mixture of sand and coconut fiber.
Include hiding places such as cork bark, driftwood, or artificial plants. A shallow dish for drinking and bathing is also necessary and should be cleaned daily.
Our Recommendations:
Tanks:
The Zilla 10 Gallon Pet Reptile Starter Habitat is a great option for your desert rain frog. It features a transparent view, secure lid, and excellent ventilation.
Decorations:
Decorations and live or artificial plants are essential inside the enclosure. The PINVNBY Resin Reptile Platform Artificial Tree Trunk is made from premium, eco-friendly, non-toxic resin, making it completely safe for your frog.
Substrate:
Natural substrates are best. If unavailable, Josh’s Frogs BioBedding Tropical Bioactive Substrate is an eco-friendly, clean, natural option ideal for planting live plants and allowing frogs to burrow easily.
5.2. Temperature and Humidity
Desert rain frogs require warm, humid conditions to thrive. During the day, they need a temperature of 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit, while at night, the temperature should be slightly cooler (60-70 degrees Fahrenheit).
A dry environment is also necessary, with humidity levels between 45% and 60%. Use a heat lamp or heat mat to increase the enclosure’s temperature during winter, but avoid overheating.
5.3. Feeding
Desert rain frogs are primarily insectivorous, consuming insects such as crickets, earthworms, mealworms, and waxworms. These insects should be gut-loaded and dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements before feeding.
The amount of food a rain frog eats depends on its sex, size, health, and appetite. Feed them every other day, removing any uneaten food daily to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
5.4. Cleaning
Regularly clean the tank and remove waste food, dead insects, and bacterial substances to prevent bacterial growth and maintain a healthy environment.
Deep-clean the entire enclosure monthly with a mild disinfectant, and change the substrate every 10-12 weeks. If the substrate becomes dirty or smelly, change it more frequently.
Our Recommendations:
Fogger:
If you can’t sprinkle water in the tank several times a day, a fogger is useful. The Reptile Fogger Terrariums Humidifier Fog Machine is large, adjustable, and efficient, with a 1-year warranty.
Disinfectant:
Use any mild disinfectant non-toxic to desert rain frogs. Premium Oxyfresh Terrarium Cleaner is easy to use, safe, eco-friendly, and Leaping Bunny Certified.
With proper nutrition and care, your desert rain frog can live up to 15 years. By following these instructions, you can help them maintain their health and live longer.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What size tank does a desert rain frog need?
A 10-gallon or 38-liter tank is needed for each frog, as rain frogs don’t need an open water source.
How does a desert rain frog survive?
These frog species survive without water by spending their daytime inside burrows dug in moist soil, absorbing moisture from fog, foods, small insects, and their skin.
Are desert rain frogs rare?
Yes, these frogs are rare and restricted to the coastlines of Namibia and South Africa with a habitat range smaller than 2000 sq km. The population of the species is unknown.
Why do desert rain frogs squeak?
The frog species emits a high-pitched squeaking sound, resembling an angry dog chew toy, typically during breeding season to attract partners or when threatened.
Are desert rain frogs a good pet?
Desert rain frogs are non-poisonous. If the law of your country allows, you may have them as pets by providing enough space to dig, and ensuring proper temperature, humidity, and food.
What does a desert rain frog eat?
The frog species eats moths, beetles, and insect larvae, which supplies them with the moisture they need to survive without water.
Do rainfrogs jump?
Desert rain frogs cannot jump because of their stout body and small legs. They can only walk on the sand at a speed of 10 km/h.
How long do desert rain frogs live?
The lifespan of desert rain frogs is usually 3-5 years. In captivity, they can live up to 15 years.
Desert rain frogs defy the odds by thriving in one of the world’s harshest climates. Yet, they need more attention and appreciation from animal lovers. Without conservation efforts, these cute frog species will likely become extinct in the wild within a few decades.
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References:
Further Reading:
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- Smoky Jungle Frog: Everything About the Frog in Only 2 Minutes
