At a Glance
Scientists are still learning about the behavior and ecology of the Nguru Warty Frog, but it’s clear that the species is extremely rare. Its only known habitat is in the Mkingu Nature Forest Reserve in the Nguru Mountains, part of the Eastern Arc Mountains in Tanzania. It’s an arboreal amphibian species, living in the trees in mountainous tropical forest.
Scientists think that the species likely skips the tadpole stage of development and froglets hatch directly out of eggs.
The forest where the species could potentially live is threatened by fires set by humans to clear forest for agriculture, logging and farming cardamom and yams. Since the species already lives at a high elevation, climate change may also be a threat. If climate change causes temperatures to increase, there is no forest at a higher elevation with cooler temperatures where the species could survive. The chytrid fungus may also be a threat for the species.
At a glance
Taxa
Amphibians
Geography
Tanzania
Status
Critically Endangered
Habitat
Montane tropical forest
Estimated Population
Unknown
Threats
Fires, farming; chytrid fungus
Potential Recovery Actions
Habitat recovery; law enforcement; possible captive breeding
