Leopard Toads on the Cape Point Route!

Escaping into nature is a relative term on the Cape Point Route as the entire region is a smorgasbord of mountain and sea, plants and animals. There are some unexpected animals to find in the area if you keep your eyes open, including the highly endangered Western Leopard toad (which is also called the snoring toad and the August frog). The breeding call is very loud and sounds like a cat purring or a motorbike and can be heard easily – hence the alternative name!

They are very charismatic creatures and live quite happily in gardens, where they eat caterpillars, snails and small chongololos. The patches on their heads are unique to each toad and are like a fingerprint, so you can keep track of your own toad by keeping photographs to see if it is the same one every year.

Although they are dry land creatures, they go to wetland areas every year during July and August to breed. The breeding process takes a mere 5 – 10 days in total and because of their migration to the wetland areas they are vulnerable when crossing roads, so please look out for them especially at night. They are fairly easy to spot as the males are about 8cm in size and the females up to 15cm.

The sensitive wetland areas on the Cape Point Route are Lakeside, Zandvlei, Silvermine Wetlands in Fish Hoek, Noordhoek wetlands, Kommetjie (Wireless Rd), Sun Valley wetlands and Glen Cairn. The 1mm toadlets emerge from the wetlands in Dec/ Jan and have a hard time surviving to full maturity which we think takes 3 – 4 years.

There is a Toad Awareness morning for children at the Fish Hoek Library hall on August 4th at 10 am. Admission is free, but donations will be welcome. A research project is being undertaken by UCT and a record of all sightings is needed – dead or alive. Please contact Evanne Rothwell with these – 084 711 5413 or 021 782 6144.

Please look out for these Leopard Toads which are listed in the Red Data Book of endangered species. Whilst in the Cape Point Route area keep your eyes peeled for some of our other creatures on your explorations – porcupines, the Cape Clawless Otter, Cape Fox, genets, polecats & molerats in addition to the Cape Fur Seals, penguins and whales that have achieved a higher status in the headlines! The Cape Point Route may not be home to Africa’s Big 5 but it is certainly home to some intriguing eco-nature experiences. For places to stay and eat when visiting, please contact 021 782 9356 or visit the website: www.capepointroute.co.za