Unlike most toads and frogs, scientists have discovered that four species of frogs walk around rather than hopping. These four species resemble the other common species when it comes to appearance but have several modifications when it comes to their hind legs, because of which they reach places by walking.
Though these frogs are not related to one another, they do have similar physical properties due to which they don 't hop frequently.
What makes these frogs walk rather than hop?
These species of frogs tend to walk pretty low on the ground, moving one leg in front of the other, replicating the motion of dogs.
These species are not related to each other but are similar when it comes to the symmetry of their hind legs. These hind legs tend to be more symmetrical than all the other species of frogs and toads, which makes them capable of walking on the ground.
A frog has short front legs and long and powerful hind legs which help it to jump forward and hop away while escaping a predator but these frogs have legs of similar lengths which makes them unable to hop and save themselves .
The habit of walking can be observed in four species of frogs which are:
The Senegal running frog
This species of frog is mostly found in the African continent and other sub-tropical regions. It usually resides in a marshy and humid environment. They have a distinct physical appearance as they are grey, large and oblong with black spots rather than stripes on their bodies.The red-banded rubber frog
Found in tropical and subtropical shrublands, these frogs prefer a dry environment. They are hugely concentrated in Somalia and Kenya due to the hot and dry climate. The name is derived from its rubbery skin which usually has dark red and grey spots on the underside.The tiger- legged monkey frog
This frog is mostly found in Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil and has the ability to walk on nearly vertical surfaces. They are found in subtropical and tropical moist shrub lands and flooded water canals seasonally. They have thin and long legs with slim fingers which increases its grip on vertical surfaces.The Bumblebee Toad
This species of frog is majorly found in Argentina and lives in a dark and humid environment which tends to draw in more insects. It is named the bumblebee frog due to the black and yellow spots visible on its skin. It is known to have a different muscle composition in its hind legs than most frogs.