This Tiny Species Of Frog Does Not Croak, Makes A Toy-Like Sound

Certain animals announce their presence throughout the wet season by emitting distinctive sounds, typically related to the onset of rain. A basic instance is the croaking of frogs. However, a viral video on the social media platform X showcases a novel case: the desert rain frog. Posted by the account @gunsnrosesgirl3, the clip captures the tiny desert rain frog producing an unexpectedly cute, toy-like squeaky sound. The high-pitched noises intently resemble these of an toddler’s squeaky toy. The endearing creature, lined in mud with skinny, beady eyes, has caught the eye of netizens. The tweet accompanying the video exclaims, “The unexpected sound of a desert rain frog.”

Reactions from customers poured in, with one noting, “Its sound is like that of a mouse,” and one other suggesting, “A cat would be so curious listening to this frog.” A third consumer identified, “The sound is similar to that of a common frog encountering a predator and calling for help.” The tweet has garnered over 14,000 likes and 1.6 million views on the platform.

Desert rain frogs are native to Namibia and South Africa, residing in dunes. Renowned because the world’s cutest frog, these amphibians have a yellow-brown colouration and may attain a size of 4 cm to six cm. During the day, they burrow deeply within the dunes to flee the warmth, rising at night time to hunt bugs resembling termites, moths, beetles, and bug larvae for sustenance. A outstanding attribute of those frogs is their incapacity to hop on account of their small legs; as a substitute, they stroll within the sand, abandoning distinctive footprints. Adding to their intriguing options, they possess a clear pores and skin patch, providing a glimpse of their inside organs.

The viral video has showcased the charming desert rain frog and begun widespread fascination with its distinctive vocalisations.