Saving the frogs - 17th April 2023

The world' s biggest frogs have become an endangered species. They're at risk of dying out. Cameroonian scientists are working hard to stop this.

Goliath frogs can grow as big as cats. Some can measure 32 centimetres long and weigh between 600 and 3,250 grams. Their natural homes are in the rivers of Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea.

Cedrick Fogwan is a conservationist. He looks after goliath 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."

But for many years, the population has decreased. People hunted goliath frogs for food and to sell them as pets. The frogs are also losing their homes. Farming's destroying the river environment where goliath frogs lay their eggs.

The Cameroonian government has given these frogs special protection. It's named them a Class A protected species.

Conservationists and local groups are working together to save the goliath frog. Hunters are paid to count how many frogs they find. Other groups have created snail farms so that the frogs will have food. Recently, there's been an increase in goliath frogs in the Mont Nlonako Reserve.