Amphibian · GBIF taxon 2430378
Crowned bullfrog
Hoplobatrachus occipitalisAlso known as African Crowned Bullfrog, Crown Bullfrog, Sub-Saharan Bullfrog
Crowned bullfrogs are large, highly adaptable amphibians that thrive across a vast array of sub-Saharan freshwater habitats and moist savannas. Males call vigorously during the rainy season, producing deep rhythmic vocalisations to establish territories along riverbanks and seasonal pools. As opportunistic ambush predators, they consume almost any animal small enough to fit into their wide mouths, playing a key role in controlling aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates.
AmphibianSemiaquaticPredatory
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Insects
- Crustaceans
- Small frogs
Predators
- Water snakes
- Herons
- Herpestids
ThreatsWater pollution, severe habitat loss, localized harvest
HabitatsSavannas, freshwater rivers, lakes, marshes, farmlands
Life span5 to 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
- Capable of delivering a defensive bite if handled; observe without touching.
- Why it is dangerous
- Possesses strong jaws with tooth-like bony projections that can break skin when cornered or handled.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by a stout body, mottled green-brown skin, and strong hind legs built for powerful leaps.
- What to do
- Avoid grabbing or picking up wild frogs; observe them safely from the bank.
Responsible observation
- Night Spotting: Look for reflective eye-shine along muddy banks during evening hours.
- Listening for Calls: Listen for deep, repetitive croaks near seasonal breeding pools after rain.
- Safe Distance: Keep a respectful distance, as cornered individuals can leap suddenly.
Ecological Counterpart Carl D. Howe / CC BY-SA 2.5 · cc-by-sa
Co-occurring Species 
Close Relative Danielnasika1 / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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