The pig frog, aka lagoon frog or southern bullfrog, who’s name hails from the calls they make, sounding like a pig grunting, hails from the southeastern United States. They face the threats of habitat loss and destruction at the hands of residential and commercial developments, human traffic, and recreational activities. The threat of vehicle strike (being hit by vehicles) also looms, as they often get struck by vehicles as they cross roads. These frogs are also a possible threat to native species in Puerto Rico, and might be a vector of pathogens such as the Chytrid fungus. However, these frogs are abundant enough to be listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Their population trend is listed as decreasing though.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Lithobates grylio
Weight: Up to 1+ lbs.
Length: Up to 6.5 inches
Lifespan: Up to 7 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) These frogs were first described by Norwegian-American naturalist Leonhard Stejneger in 1901.
2.) Being almost entirely aquatic, they dwell along the edges of lakes, or in cypress swamps and marshes that are thick with vegetation.
3.) Like most frogs, they are nocturnal (active at night).
4.) Their loud, pig-like calls can be heard from several hundred feet away.
5.) They are preyed on by American alligators, cottonmouths, herons, ibises, ospreys, water snakes, and humans.
But wait, there’s more on the pig frog!
6.) Crayfish, insects, earthworms, red worms, mice, young rat pups, voles, gophers, beetles, dragonflies, small fish, and other smaller frogs are all on the menu for these opportunistic feeders.
7.) Pig frogs are a keystone species in their ecosystem, helping to control the populations of the insects and other small animals that they eat. They play a vital role in maintaining the balance of their wetland habitats in their native range. They are also indicators of poor quality habitats.
Did you know…?
They have been introduced and established themselves in China, Andros Island, New Providence Island in the Bahamas, and in Puerto Rico. In China, they are raised as food frogs, along with bullfrogs.
8.) Breeding season lasts from April – August.
9.) Females produce up to 10,000 eggs each clutch.
10.) Tadpoles can take up to 1 year to metamorphose into adult frogs.
Now a Short Pig Frog Video!
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Some source material acquired from: Wikipedia & IUCN
