African clawed frog

Habitat

• Found in a variety of freshwaters, both natural and man made
• Tend to avoid large rivers and waters with predatory fish
• Tolerates highly polluted waters, saline waters and temperatures between 2-35 °C
• During droughts it can migrate overland to find new waterbodies

Description

• A green flat-bodied frog growing up to 12cm in length
• Upward gazing eyes, with no eyelids
• The top of the frog is olive-brown in colour, with dark blotches or mottling
• The underside is yellowish-white
• Front feet are not webbed but clawed
• Hindfeet are webbed and have sharp claws on three of the toes

Origin and Worldwide Distribution

• Native to southern and sub-Saharan Africa
• They have been introduced to North America, Chile, Japan and Europe, including the United Kingdom

Potential or Known Impacts

• They predate on, and compete with native species of invertebrates, amphibians, and fish
• They may be toxic to predators outside of their native range
• Clog up water irrigation pipes and invade houses
• Can carry and transmit parasites which may impact native fauna

Is it found in Northern Ireland?

• It is not currently present in Northern Ireland

How could it get here?

• Introduction would likely be a result of the accidental or deliberate release of individuals kept as pets or used in scientific research

Management/Methods for Prevention

• Prevention via enforcing the IAS (Enforcement and Permitting) Order (Northern Ireland) ensuring that X. laevis is not introduced to Northern Ireland
• Reporting any sightings so that Rapid Response can be instigated
• If Rapid Response is not successful, management is difficult but can include physical and chemical control

Current Legislative Position (Entry into force: 02 August 2024)

• This species must not intentionally be brought into the Union; kept; bred; transported to, from or within the United Kingdom, unless for the transportation to facilities in the context of eradication; placed on the market; used or exchanged; permitted to reproduce, grown or cultivated; or released into the environment.

Species Related Files:

RA_Xenopus laevis_African_clawed_frog