According to the study, Pyxicephalus Beytelli, as it was named after the late Ben Beytell, former Director of Parks and Wildlife Management in Namibia, is the first new species discovered in Africa in more than 100 years.

Although the University has now made it known to the general public, its finding was published last March in the African Journal of Herpetology.

Zoologist Professor Louis du Preez of the North West University says this new species differs quite a lot from other bullfrogs. Its claw is different and morphologically some features, the eardrum is quite far back with a big space between the eye and the ear.

He added that its existence remained a secret for so long because its habitat is so remote.

Du Preez explained that despite its impressive teeth it is no danger to humans. “These frogs do not have any threat to us as humans. They do not pose any threat, they can give you a nasty bite if you offer your finger because they eat small birds.”

According to Du Preez, there are currently more than 173 types of frogs in Southern Africa.

pll/rgh/mv