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Some species are very rare, restricted to a few localized areas, and there are extinctions from time to time as small populations suffer from some crisis in their habitat. However, there are many species that are widespread and abundant and are of great importance in their environment. They are important con- sumers of invertebrates, many of which are considered to be pest species, and they are

themselves food for other higher organisms, forming an important link in the food chains in many habitats. Everyone can recognize a frog or a toad and recount the basic details of their life story, but many people don’t know the true range of species found around the world and the extraordinary adaptations they show in order to survive in different habitats.

The African bullfrog, Pyxicephalus adspersus, like other large frogs, is not an active hunter. Rather than move about to seek out its food, it prefers to sit quietly and wait for a likely prey animal to approach. When the unwary victim is within striking distance, the bullfrog will attack and swallow its prey in one gulp. Bullfrogs feed on rodents, young waterfowl, small turtles, and even young frogs of their own kind.

The barking tree frog, Hyla gratiosa, occurs in the southeastern United States and earned its name from its persistent barking call, usually uttered from high up in a tree. As well as being a good climber, it can also burrow into damp soil. This is one of the most abundant tree frog species.

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