Arthroleptis – Squeakers

These little amphibians get their nickname from the high-pitched, squeaky calls males make, which sound more like tiny squeals than the deep croaks people often associate with frogs. Found in forests, grasslands, and even near villages, squeakers are masters of staying hidden, blending into the leaf litter with their earthy brown or mottled skin. They may not be as flashy as brightly colored tree frogs, but their behavior and unique adaptations make them stand out in their own way.

Unlike most frogs, which lay eggs that hatch into free-swimming tadpoles, squeakers skip the tadpole stage altogether. Their eggs hatch directly into tiny froglets, miniature versions of the adults. This adaptation is a clever survival strategy for living in environments where standing water, such as forest floors or grassy patches, may not always be available. It also allows them to thrive in places where other frogs might struggle, since they don’t depend on ponds or streams for reproduction.

Squeakers are also known for their small size and big voices. Many species are tiny, but their calls carry surprisingly far for such small bodies. Males call from the ground, sometimes perched on leaves or low branches, and their squeaky notes are used to attract mates and stake out territory. Their calls are often one of the first clues researchers use to detect them, since spotting a well-camouflaged squeaker in the leaf litter can be next to impossible.

And of course, there are fun and quirky facts that make squeakers even more endearing. Their camouflage is so good that you can walk right past them without noticing, even if they’re calling at your feet. Some species are microendemic, meaning they’re found only in very small regions, making them ecological treasures of their local forests. And because of their direct development, their eggs are relatively large compared to their tiny bodies, almost like carrying around a “big investment” in the next generation.