There are currently no photographs or maps available for this species.
Find Branch’s Rain Frog in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.
Family Brevicepitidae
Identification
Branch’s Rain Frog measures up to 41mm in length. This species is stout with short legs, large, bulging eyes and a pale coloured iris. The dorsal surface is yellowish-brown with large dark brown markings. It has a series of yellowish paravertebral patches down the back and a yellowish bar between the eyes. There are also numerous small white glandular warts on the skin, which are most prevalent along the sides. The facial mask is dark brown and extends from the eye to the armpit. The undersides are covered in tiny white asperities, and there is a translucent patch of skin in the belly region.
Branch’s Rain Frog is most similar to the Namaqua Rain Frog (Breviceps namaquensis), and both occur in the same general vicinity. Branch’s Rain Frog differs in the facial mask reaching to the armpit (extending only halfway to the armpit in B. namaquensis), and by the many small granules under the fourth finger (lacking in B. namaquensis).
Habitat
Branch’s Rain Frog is found on red sands with sparse vegetation in the Richtersveld Duneveld, Northern Cape.
Behaviour
Virtually nothing is known about this species. It is known from just a single specimen.
Status and Conservation
Data deficient. More information is required for this species.
Distribution
B. branchi is so far only known from the far Northern Cape near the Holgat river.
Further Resources
Branch’s Rain Frog Breviceps branchi Channing, 2012
Other Common Names: Branch se Blaasoppadda (Afrikaans)
Recommended citation format: Tippett, RM. (2025). Branch’s Rain Frog Breviceps branchi. BDI, Cape Town.
Available online at http://thebdi.org/2022/04/04/branchs-rain-frog-breviceps-branchi/
References:
Carruthers, V; du Preez, L. (2017). Frogs of southern Africa: A Complete Guide. Struik Nature, Cape Town.
