Conservation Genetics of the Goliath Frog (Conraua goliath) in Cameroon

The Goliath frog is the largest anuran known. The species inhabits waterfalls and rapids in medium to large size rivers in the rainforests of the African countries Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. Despite the striking uniqueness of this frog species little is known on its biology. The Goliath frog is under severe pressure from hunting and habitat degradation and is listed as vulnerable, threatened or as "rare or on the way to extinction" by various governmental and conservation bodies.

I am interested in the molecular phylogeny and the population genetics of the Goliath frog. Additionally, I am investigating the reproductive biology, i.e. the mating system, of Goliath frogs using molecular techniques. I am developing a number of loci, including mitochondrial DNA, nuclear DNA and autosomal STRs, to address these questions. These molecular tools will help me to answer questions related to the monophyly, of the genus Conraua, the genetic structure of Goliath frog populations in Cameroon, historical and recent metapopulation dynamics, as well as reproductive strategies of the species. Ultimately, the goal is to facilitate the conservation and the future management and of this enigmatic species.

ICUN Red List- Goliath Frogs