There are currently no photographs available for this species.
Find the KwaZulu Caco in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.
Family Pyxicephalidae
Identification
The KwaZulu Caco is a small frog that attains a maximum size of 28mm. It is, however, more robustly built than other Cacosternum species. The dorsal surface is smooth to finely granular and varies from dark brown to grey. There is often a pale brown vertebral stripe with black edges and a dark, backwards-pointing bar between the eyes. A dark facial mask runs from the snout, through the eye, to the base of the fore arm. A pale skin ridge is found below the facial mask, extending from the corner of the mouth to the base of the forearm.
The undersides are pale with conspicuous, fused black blotches, and the throat area is dark and densely mottled.
The eyes are bulging and visible from below. The tympanum is visible.
The KwaZulu Caco is most likely to be mistaken for the Bronze Caco Cacosternum nanum (see Similar Species below).
Habitat
The KwaZulu Caco frequents marshes, streams, pools and flooded grass in savanna woodlands.
Behaviour
The KwaZulu Caco was described in 2013, so very little is known of its life history. The advertisement call consists of repeated pulsating chirps as well as some slower clicks.
Status and Conservation
Data deficient. The KwaZulu Caco is not considered threatened.
Distribution
The KwaZulu Caco is endemic to South Africa and is restricted to a few scattered localities in central Kwa-Zulu-Natal.
There is currently no map available for this species.
Further Resources
KwaZulu Caco Cacosternum nanogularum Channing et al., 2013
Other Common Names: KwaZulu-Blikslanertjie (Afrikaans)
Recommended citation format: Tippett, RM. (2025). KwaZulu Caco Cacosternum nanogularum. Biodiversity and Development Institute, Cape Town. Available online at https://thebdi.org/2022/04/04/kwazulu-caco-cacosternum-nanogularum/
References:
Minter, LR; Burger, M; Harrison, JA; Braack, HH; Bishop, PJ; Kloepfer, D. (Editors). (2004). Atlas and Red Data Book of the Frogs of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, and Avian Demography
Unit, Cape Town.
Carruthers, V; du Preez, L. (2017). Frogs of southern Africa: A Complete Guide. Struik Nature, Cape Town.
Channing, A. (2001) Amphibians of Central and Southern Africa. Protea Book House, Pretoria
