For any past guest who has visited Founders Camp and who is under the age of 12, you would know from the ‘Hide and Go Seek’ experience on the deck, that the life of a Founders’ frog must be a grand one!
Since I started working at Founders Camp at the end of 2020, I have kept a log book of photographs from my little frog encounters. An act as small as finding one of the regular suspects has taught me to appreciate the finer things in life.
I would not go so far as to say that I have become an avid amphibian fan, I have however really taken to noticing how each species is unique in their own way.
My first ever encounter with a frog happened when I was just five years old while camping in the Kruger National Park with my parents. Somehow one had managed to escape the outside world and ended up in the tent in which my sister and I were sleeping. In the early hours of the morning, instead of being awoken by the rising African-sun, I was woken up by the sound of a frog. When inspecting this frog more closely I noticed large adhesive terminal discs under its feet. This is the scientific word for their “little feet”, I found in the “The Wildlife of Southern Africa: A field guide to animals and plants of the region”; a book I keep handy on deck for when guests have animal related questions and the rangers aren’t in sight.
A painted Reed Frog crouches on a grass strand. These tiny frogs have the ability to change their skin colour between white and a dark, almost black colour which is believed to help with thermoregulation and moisture control.
I made use of this book again, when asked by a guest what the difference was between a frog and a toad and whether we have both. I had to fact check with google, but we do indeed have both frogs and toads in South Africa and at Londolozi itself. Below is a fun infographic that I made to help me better understand the physical distinctions between the two:
A table found in the FGASA book supplied in the Rangers’ room.
As a distraction technique for young guests who find the peace and quiet of meal times on deck less enjoyable than their parents, I often task little ones to find all three of our resident foam nest frogs. This game can only be done in silence and requires a keen eye.
After many months of playing ‘Find the Frog’, one day a very creative little soul asked if she could name the one ‘Winter’ – given the foam nest frog’s very pale colouring. We were delighted at this official naming and subsequently called the other two ‘Autumn’ and ‘Summer’. When a fourth resident frog joins the prestigious Founders Frog family, I have no doubt it will be called ‘Spring’.
What started out as childlike fun, has oddly made Founders Deck feel more like home to me and the other staff, having something so small but so familiar fill our days. If any of the frogs aren’t in their usual spots: the pillar light, the bathroom picture or behind the bar respectively – one of us is bound to start a little search party.
Founders Camp is home to many little creatures, a wonderful team and a whole lot of love and light.
Hey Ash, we look forward to a frog “lesson” when we visit next August!
Vin! I so look forward to see the two of you. Not long to go now.
Terrific article Ashleigh!
Denise, thank you very much. Usually the content for rangers but it was lovely getting into the ins and outs of these cute little things.
Ashleigh what a great blog. I love frogs! I have 4 frog ponds at my home. When I think of Africa, and Londolozi, I don’t think of frogs; elephants, leopards, lions, zebras etc but not frogs. I’m thrilled that Londolozi has resident frogs and I love the names they have been given. Your infographic outlining the differences between frogs and toads is brilliant and actually easier to remember than the info given in the table below it. Thanks for writing about the little inhabitants of Londolozi.
Thank you, Jennifer. I thought the infographic (or spider diagram) fitting to help me remember all the facts I’d learnt based on my constant interaction with the frogs. Your four frog ponds sound marvellous. I am sure you get all kinds of frogs/toads there.
I am all too happy to have reminded you that Londolozi is home to a plethora of wildlife- zebras, leopards, buffalo and frogs included!
A wonderful blog and another reminder that being at Londolozi is truly about all creatures both great and small.
Jeff! Great and small indeed.
Thank you.
Ashleigh, What a fun post! Thanks for reminding us about the little creatures that abound at Londolozi and how we can’t wait to return to Founders Camp!
It is my pleasure!
The frogs will be there to greet you on arrival, I have no doubt.
Ash your story on frogs and toads is very interesting, thanks for giving us the difference between the frogs
and toads. Founders Camp sound like just the right place to be. The painted Reed frog that changes colour is phenomenal. Good game for kids to find the frogs and toads in silence, teaches them to be quiet and vigilant in finding them. Well planned game for the kids.
Thank you! Being a kindergarten teacher prior to arriving at Londolozi has helped come up with such games. To let you in on a secret, finding the frogs during Hide and Go Seek is one of my favourite things to do when on deck!
Love this post Ashleigh!! I’ve always wondered about the differences between gringa and toads, and this story of your Founders Camp grogs was a delight!!
Thank you very much Paul, much appreciated. Glad to hear you enjoyed it.
A wonderful article on these little creatures.
Thank you, Christa!
I loved your photos and the great information you provided! Thank you.
Thank you, Barbara.