The Ghost frog (Heleophryne Purcell) is a species of frog that is endemic to the Western Cape region of South Africa, including the streams and wetlands in and around Table Mountain. The name “ghost frog” comes from the pale, translucent appearance of the frog’s skin.
The Ghost frog is a medium-sized amphibian, with adult males measuring up to 55 millimeters (2.2 inches) in length and adult females measuring up to 70 millimeters (2.8 inches). The species is unique in that it has the ability to change the texture of its skin from smooth to rough, depending on the environment in which it is found.
The Ghost frog is primarily nocturnal and is active during the cooler, wetter months of the year. It is an opportunistic feeder, preying on a variety of invertebrates such as insects and spiders. The species has a unique breeding strategy, with females laying their eggs on land in small pools or damp crevices, where they develop into tadpoles before moving to nearby streams or wetlands.
The Ghost frog is listed as an endangered species due to habitat loss and other threats, including the degradation and pollution of its aquatic habitats. Conservation efforts greatly protect and are underway to protect and restore the species and its habitat, including measures to prevent erosion and maintain the water quality of its streams and wetlands. The Ghost frog is also a focus of research for its unique characteristics and adaptations and is an important part of the ecological and cultural heritage of the region.