Giant slippery frog

Conraua robusta
Conservation status
Vulnerable  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Conrauidae
Genus:	Conraua
Species:	C. robusta
Binomial name
Conraua robusta Nieden, 1908

The giant slippery frog, Conraua robusta, is a species of frog in the Conrauidae family found in Cameroon and Nigeria. This species is congeneric to the goliath frog, the largest known frog species in the world, they are extremely developed frogs, living in colder, fast-moving river currents and streams.^[1]

Morphology

These frogs are very muscular, have very well-developed upper leg muscles, have superb jumping and swimming capabilities, and can overpower large prey. The giant slippery frog is smaller than the goliath frog, which can grow to 25 – 32 cm in snout-vent length; even larger individuals have been reported. The giant slippery frog is capable of killing mice, rats, or comparable vertebrates and large insects. Their lifestyle, habitats, and ecology are still rather unknown.

Habitat

Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, rivers, and heavily degraded former forests.

Conservation

It is threatened by habitat loss. Some of the native tribes hunt these large frogs for their meat; they have immense thighs, and 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.^[2]

References