Fauna
Amphibian

Colombian Horned Frog

Ceratophrys calcarata

Also known as Venezuelan Horned Frog

Colombian horned frogs are robust ambush predators that spend much of their lives buried in soil with only their eyes and massive mouths exposed. During wet seasons in their dry lowland habitats, males gather in intermittent freshwater pools to call for mates. Their wide gape and muscular jaws allow them to overpower large prey in a single explosive strike.

AmphibianCamouflagedPredatory
Colombian Horned Frog reference1 / 3
(c) Daniel A. Monsalve Ortiz, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyInsects, Small lizards, Smaller amphibians
Predators
  • Birds of prey
  • Snakes
  • Mammalian carnivores
ThreatsHabitat conversion for agriculture and local collection for the exotic pet trade
HabitatsDry savanna, tropical dry shrubland, lowland grassland, and intermittent marshes
Life span10–15 years
Classification
  1. FamilyCeratophryidae
  2. SpeciesCeratophrys calcarata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Has powerful jaws and sharp bony projections that can inflict a painful bite if handled.
Why it is dangerous
Muscular jaws and sharp odontoid structures on the lower jaw can easily break human skin if the frog bites defensively.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognizable by a round, squat body, a head almost half its body length, and small horn-like projections over the eyes.
What to do
Keep hands far away from the mouth and view this species from a safe distance without touching.
Responsible observation
  • Observe Quietly: Look closely at leaf litter and loose soil where only the head remains exposed.
  • Avoid Handling: Human skin oils can harm their sensitive skin, and their defensive bite is painful.
Related species
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