What threats does the goliath frog face in its habitat?

The goliath frog (Conraua goliath) is an endangered species facing significant threats that have caused its population to decline by an estimated 70 percent between 2004 and 2019. These threats include:1

• Habitat Loss and Degradation: The species relies on specific environments, such as clear, warm rivers and undisturbed forests. Its habitat is increasingly fragmented by logging and the conversion of land into farmland.12
• Pollution: Water pollution, particularly from pesticide contamination, further degrades the quality of its environment.12
• Hunting and Trade: The frogs are hunted for food and captured for the illegal wildlife trade. They are also sought by pet collectors, sometimes for use in frog-jumping contests, despite the fact that they cannot breed in captivity.12
• Development: The potential development of hydroelectric dams poses an additional risk to their specialized aquatic habitats.1

Protecting these unique amphibians is an ethical imperative, as their narrow tolerance limits and specific ecological needs make them exceptionally vulnerable to human-driven environmental changes.1