Kassina -Running frogs

The genus Kassina, better known as the running frogs or kassinas, is a truly unusual group of frogs found across sub-Saharan Africa. While most frogs are famous for their hopping and leaping abilities, kassinas break the mold by walking or running with a kind of slow, deliberate gait instead of hopping around. This strange, almost comical movement makes them instantly recognizable and gives them their common name. Their body shape is also different from the “classic frog” look—they are often slender, with long legs and smooth, shiny skin that comes in earthy browns, grays, or greens, usually with bold spots, stripes, or patterns.

What makes Kassina frogs stand out from their amphibian relatives is this unique locomotion style combined with their striking color patterns. Many species have bold dark spots running along their sides, giving them a spotted or leopard-like look. Their skin is often smooth and glossy, making them look almost polished under the light. Instead of blending into a background silently, their distinctive markings and unusual behavior make them some of the more charismatic little frogs in Africa’s wetlands and savannas.

Like other frogs, kassinas rely on water for breeding, but their life cycle ties in closely with seasonal rains. During the wet season, males gather at ponds, puddles, or marshy areas and produce loud, repetitive calls—often described as clicking, croaking, or even “clucking” sounds. Females lay eggs in water, which hatch into tadpoles that grow and eventually transform into young frogs ready to take on their running lifestyle. Their association with seasonal rains means their calls are often one of the first sounds people hear after a heavy downpour, making them a true “rain season soundtrack.”