FROGS

Along with the Western Leopard Toad, there are numerous other amphibians
that call Die Oog home. Learn more about them here.

Frogs & Other Amphibians Living in Die Oog Dam

Die Oog dam is a conservation area for the Great Western Leopard Toad. There are also many other species found in the area, including:

  • Common Platanna
  • Clicking Stream Frog
  • Painted Reed Frog

As well as many turtles that live in the water. 

mating leopard toads
leopard toad tadpoles at Die Oog pond
reed frog on an arum lily

The Great Western Leopard Toad 

Western Leopard Toads live in the wetlands of the Bergvliet and Constantia Valley area suburbs. Their skins are highly sensitive to pollutants and they act as a warning system to the health of our local soil, water and wetlands. 

They are highly endangered and Die Oog is one of the main breeding sites in the Western Cape. During their breeding season, many are killed by passing cars when crossing roads but there is increased awareness in the media of this migration, which is encouraging for their future protection. 

tiny frog
leopard toad with bloated throat
leopard toad swimming

Dangers to Leopard Toads

  • The biggest threats to Leopard Toads are:
  • Cats attacking and eating them
  • Dogs attacking and eating them 
  • Cars running them over
  • Swimming pool chemicals

To avoid toads falling into and drowning in your pool, inspect your pool every morning and remove any toads as quickly as possible with a pool net. Rinse the toad with fresh water to remove harmful pool chemicals. Put the toads on the other side of your house away from the pool. This would be a good time to get an ID picture (see above). Place a piece of polystyrene or a plank of wood into your pool so that the toads have something to climb onto. This way, the toads won’t be so harmed by the chemicals in your pool.

Leopard Toads in Your Garden

Much of the habitat for Western Leopard Toads is now gardens, so the toad is already where it should be. If you fear that the toad might fall into your swimming pool, or be attacked by your dog, then carefully move the toad within your garden but away from these risks. If you have a lot of toads in your garden, and a digital camera, you could help by taking ID pictures (see above). Do not move the toad anywhere else. Do not move the toad to a wetland or pond. The toads can navigate and know where they are going. If you move them, they might get lost, or worse might end up in the wrong population.

Leopard Toads and dogs

All toads have toxins which will be distasteful to dogs. The first taste that your dog gets should be so bad that it lets the toad go. If your dog is persistent or if it is worrying the toad, then carefully move the toad to an area of your garden away from this risk. If you have a lot of toads in your garden, and a digital camera, you could help by taking ID pictures (see above). Do not move the toad anywhere else. Do not move the toad to a wetland or pond. The toads can navigate and know where they are going. If you move them, they might get lost, or worse might end up in the wrong population.

What to do if you find a dead Leopard Toad

Place the toad in a plastic bag with a piece of paper stating the date you found it, the place you found it, your name and telephone number. Put the bag in your freezer and call the hotline 082 516 3602

DO NOT MOVE LEOPARD TOADS FROM THE ROAD OR PARKS. MOVE THEM OUT OF DANGER AND PLACE THEM BACK ON THE GROUND TO CARRY ON WHERE THEY WERE GOING.