Cacosternum thorini

Cacosternum thorini, the Hogsback dainty frog, is a species of frog in the family Pyxicephalidae, endemic to South Africa. Described in 2014 by Werner Conradie, it is found exclusively in the montane grasslands around Hogsback in the Amatola Mountain range of the Eastern Cape Province. Its natural habitats include small, shallow montane wetland pools with abundant vegetation, typically less than 50 cm deep, which are essential for its diurnal activity and breeding. The species is notable for being the largest known member of its genus.

Cacosternum thorini
Conservation status
Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Pyxicephalidae
Genus:	Cacosternum
Species:	C. thorini
Binomial name
Cacosternum thorini Conradie, 2014

Description

The Hogsback dainty frog is a small species, with males measuring approximately 14 mm and females around 16 mm in snout-vent length. It has a slender body with smooth skin featuring small, rounded tubercles. Its coloration is light brown with darker brown flecks, including an interorbital bar and transverse bands on the limbs.

Distribution and habitat

This frog is restricted to the Hogsback area in the Amatola Mountain range, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. It inhabits montane grassland ecosystems, specifically small, vegetated wetland pools that serve as its primary breeding and activity sites.

Behavior and ecology

Cacosternum thorini is highly territorial, with each wetland pool typically occupied by a single calling male. It is diurnal and moves by saltation (jumping). The species coexists with other frogs such as Cacosternum nanum and Strongylopus grayii, though it prefers pools with denser vegetation.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies Cacosternum thorini as Endangered due to its limited geographic range and potential threats to its montane wetland habitats.^[1]