Microbatrachella – Micro frog

Endemic to the southwestern Cape region of South Africa, this tiny frog grows to just about 2 cm (0.8 in) in length—small enough to comfortably sit on your fingertip! Despite its miniature size, the micro frog is easily recognized by its rounded body, short limbs, and slightly flattened head. Its coloration is generally a mix of olive-green to brown tones, often speckled with dark patches, allowing it to blend in perfectly with the damp, sandy fynbos and wetland habitats where it is found.

What makes the micro frog particularly distinct is how highly specialized it is to its environment. It is mainly restricted to the coastal flats and seasonal wetlands around the Cape Flats and Agulhas Plain, areas that flood in winter and dry out in summer. During the rainy season, micro frogs become more active, breeding in shallow, temporary pools formed by rainwater. Their call is a soft, high-pitched “chirp” that can be hard to hear over the sounds of wind and water, but it plays a crucial role in attracting mates. Interestingly, unlike some frogs that lay eggs in long strings or large clumps, the micro frog lays a small number of eggs at the bottom of shallow pools, keeping reproduction closely tied to these fragile seasonal wetlands.

A fun fact about the micro frog is that it is a member of a monotypic genus—Microbatrachella—which means it’s the only species in its genus, making it even more unique in the frog world. Another quirky feature is how secretive and shy these frogs are; they often spend much of the year hidden in dense vegetation or under damp soil, only becoming visible during the breeding season.