Conraua robusta
| Conraua robusta | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Ranidae |
| Genus: | Conraua |
| Species: | C. robusta |
| Binomial name | |
| Conraua robusta Nieden, 1908 | |
Conraua robusta the Giant Slippery frog is a species of frog in the Ranidae family. It is found in Cameroon and Nigeria. This species is a direct member of the great Goliath frog, the largest known frog species in the world, the Goliath frog and the other species in the Conraua genus are extreme developed frog, living in colder, fast moving river currents and streams.
Morphology
These frogs are very muscular, have very well developed large upper leg muscles, have superb jumping and swimming capabilities, and can overpower large prey. The Slippery Giant frog is smaller than the Giant Goliath who can become 25 - 32 cm in snout to vent length; even larger individuals have been reported. The Slippery Giant is a large species capable of killing mice, rats or comparable vertebrates and large insects. Much less is known of this species, and therefore the lifestyle, habitats and ecology is still rather secretive.
Habitat
Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, rivers, and heavily degraded former forest.
Conservation
It is threatened by habitat loss. Some of the native tribes, and fisheries hunt these large frogs for their meat,these frogs have immense thighs, can weigh as much as a chicken. The IUCN and local rangers are developing more understanding to the locals to conserve these frogs, because they are important for the ecosystem structure.
Sources
- J.-L. Amiet & M. Gartshore. 2004. Conraua robusta. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 23 July 2007.
- C. Michael Hogan. 2013. Conraua robusta. J.African Amphibians. ed. B. Zimkus