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Care Sheet: African Grey Treefrog (Chiromantis xerampelina)

Common Name: African Grey Tree Frog, Great Grey Tree Frog.

Scientific Name: Chiromantis xerampelina

Distribution: North Africa.

Size: 8cm.

Sexing: The males of this species show pale nuptial pads on the first & second fingers of the fore limbs.

Colouration: Light grey with slightly darker irregular markings.

Requirements: These large agile frogs can jump over a large distance and so require a very large terrarium. 20-gallon tank would be adequate for a group of 4 adults. They require a well-planted woodland type set-up with a substrate of bark chips, topsoil or moss. Furnishings such as logs, cork bark and sturdy leafed plants can be arranged to provide a number of climbing, perching and hiding places. A medium sized water bowl (no deeper than the frog's height at rest) must be provided with clean de-chlorinated or spring water. The water will need to be changed daily to avoid the build up of ammonia and bacteria in the water whilst changing the water it is a good idea to visually inspect the tank and remove, clean and replace any soiled items. The tank will need to be heated to a temperature of 20-25°C this can be done with an under-tank heat-mat controlled by a thermostat. It is not advisable to use spot / heat lamps with amphibians and so a separate light source should be provided by the means of a fluorescent UVB tube. Once every two-three weeks the tank and its contents should be completely cleaned and sterilised using an amphibian / reptile friendly disinfectant.

Feeding: For adults a mixture of suitably sized insects including crickets, flies, locust, and moths should be fed every two-three days. A calcium and vitamin supplement should be used once weekly. Young frogs will take hatchling crickets and fruitflies. These should be fed every day and a calcium and vitamin supplement used two-three times a week.