Desert Rain Frog - Strange, chubby frog that makes terrifying screams

The desert rain frog has a very unique appearance and sound. Buying a desert rain frog is almost impossible. Here are the things to know about the desert rain frog.

Amphibians are known to ecologists as sensitive animals. Their limited tolerance to different environmental conditions means they are more likely than many other animals to struggle when their living conditions change.

In some ways, the desert rain frog is the complete opposite. It is incredibly adaptable, able to withstand arid environments. But in other ways, it is also specialized and vulnerable to human impacts on its habitat.

The desert rain frog or web-footed rain frog is a rather plump frog found in the sand dunes of Namibia and South Africa.

Basic information about Desert Rain Frog:

• Habitat: Sandy coasts and dunes
• Location: Namibia and South Africa
• Lifespan: Up to 14 years
• Size: Up to 6cm (2.5 inches)
• Weight: Not specified
• Color: Brown, spotted
• Food: Moths, beetles, larvae
• Enemies: Snakes, scorpions, rodents
• Maximum speed: 5 km/h (3 mph)
• Conservation status: Near Threatened

The Desert Rain Frog, scientifically known as Breviceps macrops, is one of the rarest and most bizarre frogs in the world.

These are small, floppy frogs with bulging eyes, a short snout, and short, webbed legs. Their skin is yellowish-brown and often sandy. Their underbelly is transparent, allowing you to see their internal organs.

Desert rain frogs lay eggs that develop directly into frogs, skipping the intermediate stage of tadpole development.

Desert rain frogs have a special way of defending themselves. When in danger, they make extremely "scary" screams to scare away enemies.

Photographer Dean Boshoff got close enough to the frogs to capture the terrifying sound they make. If you’re brave enough, check out the video below.

Desert rain frogs are native to Namibia and South Africa. They spend most of the day hiding deep in the sand, keeping cool and hydrated. They only emerge from hiding when hungry, in search of food. Their favorite foods are insects, beetles, and moths. Their enemies are snakes and scorpions. A desert rain frog can catch more than 100 insects in a single hunt.

Currently, the desert rain frog is in an endangered state, listed in the IUCN Red List (International Union for Conservation of Nature. The reason is that their habitat is destroyed by human activities of road construction and diamond mining.