Recently we have had a lot of rain – 100-160mm. This caused a lot of changes as dams and waterholes filled overnight. It also brought out a rare species of frog known as the African Giant Bullfrog which can grow up to 200mm in length. They are infrequently encountered because in normal rainfall years they spend up to 10 months hibernating underground encased in a parchment-like cocoon that completely covers their body save for their nostrils. In times of drought they can remain in hibernation for years. After good rains they emerge in small pans where males will compete for the privilege to mate. After mating they disperse, except for a few males which stand guard over the tadpoles, charging at any intruder no matter the size. If the pan starts to dry, the male will use his strong hind legs and brute force to create a channel to the main water source. The males watch over the young until they emerge as small frogs. The young frogs eat everything they come across of edible size and grow substantially. They then go into hibernation until the next rain. And so the cycle continues…
