On Save the Frogs Day: VoNat Raises Awareness on the Plight of World’s Largest Frog in Cameroon

By Ndimuh B. Shancho

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Frog lovers and organizations across the world used April 28, 2024, which is Save the Frogs Day, to carry out actions that demonstrate their love for one frog species or another. Voice of Nature (VoNat) used the Day to raise further awareness on the plight of the world’s largest frog, goliath frog (Conraua goliath), undergoing wanton depletion in the Mount Nlonako Area, Littoral Region of Cameroon (between 4°49’-4°56’N and from 9°56’-10°01’E).  

Goliath frog (Conraua goliath) is a giant slippery frog, about 32 centimeters long, that lives in secondary forests and beside swift flowing rivers. The frog feeds on insects, fish and other smaller amphibians. Through this, they contribute to limiting the spread of malaria and yellow fever, which are deadly diseases in Cameroon and other parts of Africa.  Unfortunately, about 20,000 of them are hunted every peak season (between November and February) for pet trade and food, despite the fact that it is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List and is found only in Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea.

VoNat has since 2021 been engaged in carrying out actions for the conservation of this species, with the support of National Geographic Society, British Ecological Society and Voice for Nature Foundation. As part of commemorative activities to mark the 2024 edition of the Save the Frog Day, the organization used a documentary, charts, posters, roll ups etc. to further raise awareness on plight of this frog amongst school children from communities in the Mount Nlonako Area.

Aponchesung Vanelle from Ngongnine village attested that the education sessions further revived her love for the species and strengthened are commitment to save the goliath frog in her village. Mbotche Marie-Therese, the President of the Network of Kids for Endangered Amphibians Conservation which VoNat created in 2022, underscored that need for her network to be trained and empowered to take front-line actions for goliath frog conservation.

The children produced short conservation messages, which were used to educate their peers about the goliath frog and the need for conservation. The conservation ambassadors promised to continue educating their parents and community members to limit the wonton depletion of these frogs.