Description: From the tropical and subtropical savannas of coastal Kenya and northeastern Namibia where it common in hot & dry low elevation areas. Also known as the coast foam-nest tree frog, southern foam nest tree frog, gray tree frog and African gray tree frog. This nocturnal tree frog has adhesive toe pads and grows to between 2¾" and 3¼", with females being the largest. The base color is brownish to grayish with a darker pattern and the highly waterproof skin is covered with tiny bumps. The color can change to blend in with tree bark or turn nearly white to absorb less sunlight and heat. This is a very heat and drought tolerant species, excreting water droplets through the skin to cool off in the way that sweating works for humans. The skin loses water at a much slower rate than other frogs and semi-solid waste is produced instead of urine, the way that reptiles do.

Temperature: Tolerant of high temps, but should not be kept in the 60°’sF for prolonged periods.

Humidity: Moderate humidity should be provided, approximately 50 to 70%. A humidity gradient throughout the enclosure is preferred.

Lighting: Plant grow-lights are necessary for live plants. Use a timer with an average of 12 hours on / 12 hours off. A dim night light is required for viewing nocturnal activities.

Feeding: Appropriately sized crickets are fine as a staple diet but a variety of other insects should be offered. Pinky mice can be offered occasionally. A good vitamin/mineral supplement should be given twice a week for adults and more often for young, growing frogs.
Clean water should be available at all times.

Habitat: A 20-gallon tank with a secure screen top will suffice for a group of frogs, a larger tank would be better. These frogs like to climb, so branches and sturdy plants should be included in the set-up.

Estivation: This frog will secrete a waterproof cocoon to estivate in during the dry season.

Sexing: Females are usually larger and only the males call.

Breeding: When the summer rainy season starts, males call a quiet chirp) from branches to attract females. The male will ride on her back as she will searches for a suitable spot above the water to build a foam nest. This is whipped up out of skin secretions with her back feet. When it gets to be about 6" across, she then blends 500 to 1,200 eggs into it. The male does not assist in nest construction but remains attached to her back to fertilize the eggs when they are laid. The couple will soon break up but the female will usually return and add more foam to the nest. Other spawning pairs and multiple males may join in and utilize the same nest and repeat this process. A surface crust forms on the nest and it will start to deteriorate in about 4 to 8 days as the eggs hatch and the tadpoles drip down into the water.

ENJOY YOUR PET LIFE FORMS, Dave & Donna