Professor Louis du Preez from the North-West University (NWU) in South Africa and his team of researchers have discovered a new species of African bullfrog called Pyxicephalus beytelli.
This is only the fourth species of bullfrog ever identified in southern Africa.
The species occurs in parts of north-eastern Namibia, southern Angola, south-western Zambia and north-western Botswana, and is named after the late Ben Beytell, former director of Parks and Wildlife Management in Namibia. Beytell was instrumental in the proclamation of the Khaudum National Park in Namibia, where the species occurs.
The new species is similar to all other species of bullfrogs in its external structure, internal anatomy and general behaviour. However, the main distinguishing features of Pyxicephalus beytelli are its bright yellow and lime green colouring, blue spots and a white vertebral line running down its body. Then there are its prominent and somewhat ferocious teeth, which are sloped backwards (recurved), and two large bony protrusions on the lower jaw.
“Their teeth really stand out, and we are excited to learn more about their feeding habits. I can promise you that this frog has a big bite,” says Du Preez.