The Bullfrog
During Etosha's dry season, the
African bullfrog lies dormant in a burrow beneath the
ground. But as the first raindrops of the rainy season
fall, the ground softens, and the bullfrogs emerge. A Monster of a Frog
Compared to many other frogs,
African bullfrogs are enormous. Male bullfrogs have been
known to grow to almost eight inches in size. Females
tend to be significantly smaller. Right after the rains
begin, males search for a new mate. When a female has
been chosen, the male will sit upon her, literally
covering her completely. The female then releases
hundreds of eggs, which the male immediately fertilizes.
A Sight, A Sound
When a bullfrog is roused, it's a
sight for sore eyes and a sound for the ears, too. An
excited bullfrog makes a low, croaking sound, and swells
up its body like a balloon.
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