Kassina

Kassina is a genus of hyperoliid frogs, commonly referred to as running frogs or kassinas. They are found throughout sub-Saharan Africa.[1] They are characterized by preferring a distinctive "walking" with the back legs instead of the more traditional frog-hopping.[2]

Kassina
red-legged running frog
Kassina maculata
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Hyperoliidae
Genus: Kassina
Girard, 1853
Synonyms

Eremiophilus Fitzinger, 1843 (suppressed name)
Hylambates Duméril, 1853
Cassiniopsis Monard, 1937 "1936"

Species

The following species are recognized in the genus Kassina:[1][3]

In captivity

K. maculata is frequently exported from Tanzania for the exotic pet trade. They require more horizontal space than vertical, being a terrestrial species. Their captive environment should include a substrate that accommodates burrowing, and provides high humidity. K. maculata will readily eat crickets and small mealworms,[4] although insects should be dusted with a vitamin supplement.[5]

Other species of running frogs are occasionally imported, with the K. senegalensis being the next most common species in captivity.[6]

Research

It is the source of "kassinin", a frequently studied tachykinin peptide.[7]

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References
  1. Frost, Darrel R. (2016). "Kassina Girard, 1853". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
  2. Ahn, A. N.; E. Furrow; A. A. Biewener (2004). "Walking and running in the red-legged running frog, Kassina maculata". Journal of Experimental Biology. 207 (3): 399–410. doi:10.1242/jeb.00761. PMID 14691087.
  3. "Hyperoliidae". AmphibiaWeb: Information on amphibian biology and conservation. [web application]. Berkeley, California: AmphibiaWeb. 2016. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
  4. "Red-Legged Walking Frog Kassina maculata". ReptileApartment.com. 2018-08-30.
  5. "Understanding Dusting and Gut-loading, why it may be necessary, it's risks and pitfalls - Timberline". timberlinefresh.com. Retrieved 2018-08-30.
  6. "Kassina sp. - breeding". Frog Forum. Retrieved 2018-08-30.
  7. Perfumi M, de Caro G, Panocka I, Polidori C, Massi M (1988). "Effects of kassinin, a tachykinin of the skin of the African frog Kassina senegalensis, on body fluid homeostasis in rats". Pharmacological Research Communications. 20. Suppl 5: 67–70. doi:10.1016/S0031-6989(88)80843-9. PMID 3247356.CS1 maint: uses authors parameter (link)


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