Amphibian · GBIF taxon 2430378
Crowned Bullfrog
Hoplobatrachus occipitalisAlso known as African Groove-Throated Frog, Groove-Throated Bullfrog
Crowned bullfrogs are large, stocky amphibians widespread across Sub-Saharan African waterways and savannas. Highly opportunistic ambush predators, they lie in wait along muddy banks or shallow pools to swallow insects, fish, and smaller frogs whole. During the rainy season, males aggregate near temporary rain pools, producing deep, echoing croaks to establish territories and attract mates.
AmphibianSub-SaharanNocturnal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Insects
- Small Fish
- Smaller Frogs
Predators
- Herons
- Water Snakes
- Monitor Lizards
ThreatsLocalized over-harvesting for food, agricultural pollution, and wetland clearance
HabitatsSavannas, moist lowland forests, rivers, freshwater marshes, and temporary pools
Life span5–10 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyDicroglossidae
- SpeciesHoplobatrachus occipitalis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Can deliver a sharp, painful bite if cornered or handled; observe from a safe distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Possesses sharp odontoid tooth-like projections in the lower jaw that inflict painful cuts if restrained.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by a thickset olive-green body, mottled webbed feet, and prominent ear drums.
- What to do
- Avoid grasping wild individuals; watch them peacefully from a respectful distance along the water.
Responsible observation
- Listen at night: Listen for deep, low-pitched calls near temporary pools after heavy rains.
- Observe from banks: Scan muddy shorelines with a soft light beam to spot glowing eyes.
Ecological Counterpart Grzegorz Polak / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Predator Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Danielnasika1 / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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