Ghana River Frog

The Ghana River Frog, Phrynobatrachus ghanensis, is a small forest amphibian found in the fragmented forest region of south-western Ghana and south-eastern Côte d’Ivoire.

The species is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List because of its restricted area of occupancy and the continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat.

Taxonomy

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Amphibia

Order

Anura

Family

Phrynobatrachidae

Genus

Phrynobatrachus

Species

Phrynobatrachus ghanensis

Distribution

The species is associated with the heavily fragmented forest region of south-western Ghana and south-eastern Côte d’Ivoire.

Documented locations in Ghana include:

• Kakum National Park
• Boi-Tano Forest Reserve
• Bobiri Forest Reserve
• Atewa Forest Reserve
• Draw River Forest Reserve
• Ankasa Conservation Area

Habitat and ecology

The Ghana River Frog is an inconspicuous forest-floor species associated with swampy primary rainforest. It has also been recorded near temporary pools in bamboo forest and close to forest edges.

Reproduction involves larval development in small pools or puddles within leaf litter near swamp margins.

Because the species is inconspicuous and relatively few specimens have been documented, it may be overlooked during field surveys.

Threats

The species is affected by the continuing loss and degradation of forest habitat.

In Ghana, mining and associated infrastructure, including road construction, place pressure on forest habitats such as the Atewa landscape.

Conservation

Several documented locations are within national parks, forest reserves or conservation areas. Protected-area designation contributes to habitat protection, although effective management and the reduction of external pressures remain important.