About Leptopelis natalensis (Smith, 1849)
The Natal forest tree frog, scientifically known as Leptopelis natalensis, is a species of frog in the family Arthroleptidae, subfamily Leptopelinae. It is endemic to the eastern coastal area of South Africa. As a typical tree frog, it has large eyes and a broad mouth. Its colouration is highly variable: some individuals may be bright green, others cream coloured, and some may be cream with olive-green blotches. Its natural habitats include temperate forests, temperate shrubland, subtropical forests, swamps, intermittent freshwater marshes, and rural gardens. It is threatened by habitat loss. These frogs usually live in the foliage and branches of forest trees. They lay eggs on the banks of ponds and quiet streams, or on broad leaves near the water's edge. After hatching, tadpoles drop into the water, where they grow and develop into adult frogs. The species' call is described as somewhat akin to "bwee YACK-yack"; the first part of the call is characterized as "soft buzzing".
