Kassina

Kassina is a genus of hyperoliid frogs, commonly referred to as running frogs or kassinas. They are found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. They are characterized by preferring a distinctive 'walking' with the back legs instead of the more traditional frog-hopping. There are 16 recognized species in the genus Kassina: 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, although insects should be dusted with a vitamin supplement. Other species of running frogs are occasionally imported, with the K. senegalensis being the next most common species in captivity. It is the source of 'kassinin', a frequently studied tachykinin peptide.