Like its relatives, this species is famous for its unusual way of moving—not by hopping like most frogs, but by running or walking in a slow, deliberate stride. Watching one move across the grass is almost like seeing a tiny toy on legs—it looks both comical and endearing. This quirky gait, paired with its striking appearance, makes the decorated running frog a true standout in Africa’s amphibian world.

As its name suggests, this frog is beautifully “decorated.” Its skin is smooth and shiny, usually light brown, tan, or gray, and patterned with bold dark spots along its back and sides, often outlined in lighter shades. These markings look a little like leopard spots or painted decorations, making it one of the most visually striking frogs in the region. Its long, slender legs give it an elegant shape, though they are used more for its unusual running style than for leaping. These decorations aren’t just for show—they help break up its outline, letting it blend into grasses, leaf litter, and muddy patches where it spends much of its time.

The decorated running frog’s life revolves around the rains. During the wet season, males gather around pools, ponds, and puddles to call for mates. Their calls are rhythmic and repetitive, sounding a bit like short metallic clicks, and when many males call together, they create a lively nighttime chorus. Females lay their eggs in water, where the tadpoles develop before turning into froglets. Unlike the burrowing rain frogs that can breed underground, the decorated running frog depends on surface water, which ties its activity closely to seasonal rainfall patterns.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Cameroon

VU

2016