TerralogNEWS101
13
Althoughoneof the statedcharacteristics
of these frogs is theirnarrowmouth,some
references say that
K. pulchra
has a wide
mouth!Thisapparentdiscrepancymaybe
explained by the fact that there are two
main body shapes within the family:
species with narrowmouths (these tend
to feed on small insects, such as ants and
termites) and more ‘normally-shaped’
species which enjoy a more substantial
diet. Inseveral respects,
K.pulchra
falls into
this second group (although it is also
reported as eating ants in the wild),
offering a possible explanation for the
above-mentionedwidemouth.
Despite its small size, this species is the
fourthmostpopular speciesharvested for
human consumption inCambodia, and is
also consumed in some other countries
within its range.Theother ‘consumer’of
K.
pulchra
is the pet trade, although the
exact numbers collected are not
documented. Nonetheless, despite these
two forms of harvesting, the species is so
abundant in the wild that the World
Femaleof theChinesepopulation.
Conservation Union lists it as being of
‘Least Concern’ and states that levels of
harvesting “do not currently constitute a
major threat”. In fact, it also goes as far as
saying “it meets several criteria to be
consideredavertebratepest”.
Incaptivity, this species (whichcan live for
around 10 years) will exhibit its natural
habit of tending to remainhiddenduring
the day. Therefore, shelters, plus a
substrate that allows it to burrow should
be provided. Leaf litter, potting compost
(minus non-organic additives such as
