Saving the world's biggest frog

Giant leap from extinction - 17th April 2023

Scientists are working to save the world's biggest frog from extinction. Goliath frogs can grow as large as house cats. They can grow up to 32 centimetres long and weigh between 600 and 3,250 grams. Their natural habitat is around the waterfalls and in the rivers of Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea.

These giant frogs are valuable to the environment and are a proud symbol of the region. Cedrick Fogwan's a local conservationist, who protects these frogs. He said "When I found this species was unique - the biggest one in the world - I said this is something that we cannot easily find elsewhere and I was proud of it."

Unfortunately, these giant frogs are an endangered species. They' ve been over-hunted as food and illegally exported as pets. This has resulted in a significant decline in their numbers.

This endangered species' natural habitat is also under threat. Rivers and streams, where they lay their eggs, are being destroyed by agriculture.

As a result, the Cameroonian government has acted to save the species by naming it a Class A protected species.

Conservationists and local groups are teaming up to ensure the safety of the goliath frog. Hunters have been employed to keep track of the numbers of frogs they encounter. Local groups have also set up snail farms in order to feed the giant amphibians.

All these efforts have had a positive outcome. The goliath frog population is steadily increasing around the Mont Nlonako Reserve.