The importance of frogs to the livelihood of the Bakossi people around Mount Manengouba, Cameroon, with special consideration of the Hairy Frog, Trichobatrachus robustus

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2008
Authors:L. N. Gonwouo, Rödel M. - O.
Journal:Salamandra
Volume:44
Pagination:23-34
Date Published:Feb 20 2008
Abstract:

Amphibians are harvested for various purposes around Mount Manengouba including food, international pet trade and cultural reasons. At least seven frog species are regularly collected and consumed: Conraua crassipes, C. goliath, C. robusta, Trichobatrachus robustus, Astylosternus spp., Xenopus amieti, Kassina decorata. Over-exploitation of C. robusta for food and T robustus for the international pet trade, in addition to the harvest of tadpoles for human consumption, is currently increasing and expected to have negative effects on wild populations. The males of the Hairy Frog, T robustus, locally known as "Ebod" are viewed upon by locals as being mystical. It is believed that these frogs fall from the sky, and that childless human couples can turn fertile after having eaten this frog. All interviewed locals declared to have once eaten a frog, while only 70% of them knew about the cultural significance of the Hairy Frog. Collection of any frog species is undertaken all year round but peaks in the dry seasons (both for food and pet trade). Prices for two large or three medium-sized individuals of C. robusta are US$ 2 at the local food markets, while pairs of the Hairy Frogs are sold for US$ 8 to the international pet trade. We discuss the need to set up plans for the sustainable harvest to maintain viable populations of these species in the region.

URL:<Go to ISI>://PREV200800297431
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