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Karoo Caco

Karoo Caco

South Africa
Status
Least Concern

IUCN conservation assessment category

Habitat
Desert

Primary ecological niche & biome

Diet
flying insects, forest spiders, and crawling invertebrates

Dietary type and primary food source

Activity
nocturnal

Diurnal, nocturnal, or active patterns

Scientific Summary

GBIF Taxonomic Backbone & Wikipedia Registry Profile

<p>Boycott et al. (2002) describes <em>C. karooicum </em>as dorsoventrally flattened. The dorsum is usually covered in small glandular warts. The dorsal colouration is uniform olive-brown to khaki-brown, sometimes tinged with red or orange, and the tip of the adpressed fifth toe reaches or extends beyond the second subarticular tubercle of the fourth toe. In breeding males, the gular region is a mustard yellow, whereas in females it is white with small dark patches (Text from Minter et al., 2004, © SI/MAB Biodiversity Program).</p>
Biology & Conservation

Ecologically, the conservation status of Karoo Caco is officially designated as Least Concern. Current field registries estimate a global population composed of an unquantified number of individuals, making habitat preservation critical to maintaining their wild populations.

It is typically endemic to desert, showing great physiological synergy with its surroundings. In terms of dietary preferences, it relies primarily on a diet of flying insects, forest spiders, and crawling invertebrates. It exhibits specialized adaptations centered around a nocturnal activity pattern, optimizing its energy conservation and interactions within its native ecosystem. The species has a typical natural lifespan of approximately 6 years, allowing it to adapt and mature through structured generational cycles.

Ongoing biological monitoring and ecological advocacy emphasize the importance of protecting this species. The stability of its food chain and the prevention of fragmentation in its primary range are vital for the continued survival of Karoo Caco.

Energy & Activity Profile
Habitat & Adaptation Index
Quick Facts
Native RangeSouth Africa
Habitat RangeDesert
Lifespan6 Yrs
StatusLeast Concern
ScientificCacosternum karooicum
Registry Info
Lifespan6 years
KingdomAnimalia
FamilyPyxicephalidae
Karoo Dainty Frog (Cacosternum karooicum) - Taxon, Habitat & Photos | Symphony of Horizon | Symphony of Horizon