Cape Platanna

Cape Platanna

Commonly know as the Cape Platanna, Xenopus gillli has a small head, larger body measuring some 5cm from snout to vent, dark stripes on the back and mottled patterns on the stomach. The Cape Platanna has an interesting story of its own. This rare species is quite unique, as it prefers the seasonal and high acidic levels of the black water lakelets of the Cape Floral Kingdom. This differs from its cousin the Common Platanna where it prefers permanent standing water bodies and lower acidic levels. It (the Cape Platanna) is therefore only found in the southwestern region of South Africa, and here it is becoming one of the most endangered amphibians in the world. Its story gives a view on the history of land management and conservation practices in the area that is now the Cape Peninsula National Park. The Cape Platanna has smooth skin, strong webbed hind feet and a pointed head. One unusual thing about the Cape Platanna is that it does not have a tongue. This frog measures around 2.3 inches (5.8cm). It is usually dark colored..    Read More>>>