About Hadromophryne natalensis (Hewitt, 1913)
The Natal ghost frog, with the scientific name Hadromophryne natalensis, is a frog species that belongs to the family Heleophrynidae. It is the only species classified within the genus Hadromophryne. This species occurs in Lesotho, South Africa, and Eswatini. It is a common species that lives in montane forests and grasslands. The species lives and breeds in and around fast-flowing, perennial mountain streams, which are typically located above waterfalls that block fish access. Adult Natal ghost frogs occupy rock crevices in cascades or in the riparian zone alongside streams. The larvae have broad suctorial mouthparts, a streamlined body shape, and a muscular tail. These traits allow them to feed and hold their position in fast torrent streams. Larvae feed on algal films and detritus found on rocks in these torrent streams. Larval development can take up to two years to complete, so permanent streams are a requirement for this species to reproduce. Natal ghost frogs are potentially threatened by habitat changes brought on by afforestation, damming, stream siltation, and water extraction. Introduced trout also have a negative impact on this species.
