The Goliath frog (Conraua goliath) is the world’s largest living frog and one of Cameroon’s most iconic endemic species. Despite its unique biological status, it faces severe threats from hunting, habitat loss, and international trade, pushing it toward the brink of extinction. This study investigates local community perceptions of the species, the scale and dynamics of hunting activities, and the export networks through which Goliath frogs reach international pet markets.
Using a combination of surveys, market assessments, and key informant interviews in communities adjacent to known Goliath frog habitats, the research maps the social and economic drivers of exploitation. The findings reveal deeply entrenched hunting traditions alongside growing commercial pressure from international collectors, creating a dual threat that current legal protections have been insufficient to address effectively.
The Goliath frog’s survival depends on urgent and coordinated conservation action. BCL recognizes the critical importance of community engagement and locally-grounded management strategies for protecting Cameroon’s most threatened amphibians. This study provides essential data to support the development of conservation programs that address both the ecological needs of the species and the socio-economic realities of the communities that share its habitat.
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