Taxonomic notes: Largen (2001) emended the name from Afrixalus clarkei to Afrixalus clarkeorum. However, according to Amphibian Species of the World version 5.6, this is an unjustified emendation (Frost 2013).

This species is endemic to Ethiopia, where it is currently known from only two areas (the vicinity of Bonga, and Godare) at 820-1,800 m asl, in the southwestern region of the country. It could be more widespread, especially in the intervening area, although this needs to be verified with additional surveys (D. Gower pers. comm. June 2012). Taking its range as a proxy, its extent of occurrence (EOO) is estimated to be 1,263 km². It is known to occur in at least two broadly defined threat locations, but possibly up to six such locations; however, for the purposes of this assessment, a precautionary approach has been adopted towards the definition of these locations (S. Loader and A. Mengistu pers.comm. June 2012).

It is found in tropical deciduous forest and on forest edges (Largen 2001), breeding amongst herbaceous vegetation surrounding pools in forest clearings. It has also been found in coffee plantations and other moderately modified secondary habitats. For breeding it requires emergent vegetation in marshy pools, at least some of which are likely to become dry for part of the year.

It appeared to be relatively common at the type locality in 1971; additional surveys in 2009 confirmed this (S. Loader pers. comm. June 2012). Its population is not considered to be severely fragmented.

There are no reports of this species being utilized.

The major threat is ongoing habitat loss due to selective logging, human settlement, and small-scale and large-scale agricultural encroachment (including coffee plantations). Chytrid fungus occurs in high prevalence in amphibians in highland Ethiopia and has been detected on this species, although its impact is not known (Gower et al. 2012).

• 2.1.2 Small-holder farming
• 1.1 Housing & urban areas
• 2.1.3 Agro-industry farming
• 5.3.1 Intentional use: (subsistence/small scale) [harvest]
• 8.2.2 Named species

It is found in the UNESCO-MAB Kafa Biosphere Reserve, but is not currently known from any other protected areas (S. Loader pers. comm. September 2012). There is a need for improved habitat protection at sites where this species is known to occur. More information is needed on this species' distribution, population status and natural history, and the potential effects of chytrid fungus on its population.

• 1.1 Site/area protection
• 1.2 Resource & habitat protection

Listed as Endangered because its extent of occurrence (EOO) is estimated to be less than 1,263 km², all individuals are in at least two threat-defined locations, and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat in southwestern Ethiopia.

• Gower, D.J., Doherty-Bone, T.M., Aberra, R.K., Mengistu, A.A., Schwaller, S., Menegon, M., de Sá, R., Saber, S.A., Cunningham, A.A. and Loader, S.P. 2012. High prevalence of the amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) across multiple taxa and localities in the highlands of Ethiopia. Herpetological Journal 22: 225-233.
• Largen, M.J. 1974. The status of the genus Afrixalus (Amphibia, Anura, Hyperoliidae) in Ethiopia, including descriptions of two new species. Monitore Zoologico Italiano N.S. Supplemento 5: 111-127.
• Largen, M.J. 2001. Catalogue of the amphibians of Ethiopia, including a key for their identification. Tropical Zoology 14: 307-402.
• Schiøtz, A. 1999. Treefrogs of Africa. Edition Chimaira, Frankfurt am Main.