Fauna
Amphibian

Chacoan Horned Frog

Ceratophrys cranwelli

Also known as Cranwell's Horned Frog, Pacman Frog, Pac-man Frog

Chacoan horned frogs spend daylight hours buried up to their eyes in loose soil, waiting motionless for unsuspecting prey to wander within striking range. During prolonged dry spells in the Gran Chaco, they estivate underground inside a protective cocoon formed from multiple layers of shed skin. Their cavernous mouths and powerful bite forces allow them to overpower vertebrate prey nearly half their own size.

AmphibianNocturnalBurrowing
Chacoan Horned Frog reference1 / 2
(c) Emma Walker, 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 rodents, Other frogs
Predators
  • Raptors
  • Snakes
  • Foxes
ThreatsHabitat conversion for agriculture, deforestation, pet trade collection
HabitatsSemiarid scrubland, dry forests, temporary wetlands
Life span6–10 years
Classification
  1. OrderAnura
  2. FamilyCeratophryidae
  3. GenusCeratophrys
  4. SpeciesCeratophrys cranwelli
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
Can deliver a painful defensive bite; keep fingers clear and observe without handling.
Why it is dangerous
Strong jaw muscles combined with sharp, bony odontoid ridges in the lower jaw can easily break human skin and cause bleeding.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a squat, rounded body, a mouth nearly as wide as the head, and distinct fleshy points above the eyes.
What to do
Maintain a respectful observation distance and do not attempt to poke, prod, or pick up a cornered frog.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting: Look for two protruding eyes and pointed brow horns sitting level with the leaf litter.
  • Etiquette: Never touch wild frogs with unwashed or dry hands, as their skin readily absorbs salts and toxins.
Related species
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