Taxonomic notes: Section empty

This lowland species is known from the Loma Mountains (at 400 m asl) in Sierra Leone, from Mount Nimba (at 500-800 m asl) in Guinea and Liberia, it was found in Guinea in Télimélé and Boffa in 2010 (N.G. Kouame pers. comm. June 2012) and in Simandou Mountains in 2011 (G.N. Le Grand pers. comm. June 2012). In 2010, it was found in the Putu area in Liberia (G.N. Le Grand pers. comm. June 2012). It is likely that this species is more widespread, especially as not much work has been done in certain areas and surveys are lacking. It is likely that it is more widespread in Sierra Leone and probably also on other mountains in west Africa.
Using the range as a proxy, the extent of occurrence (EOO) is estimated to be 7,691 km². It is known from 6 threat-defined locations.


Is there sufficient suitable habitat between the current polygons to allow them to be merged? Is there any information available regarding this species' AOO? Also, is there any more detailed information on the elevation range of this species? EJM

Very little is known about its habitat and ecology. It has been found in savannah and grass steppe. It has been recorded in rocky grassland areas, in close proximity to temporary water ponds (N.G. Kouame and G.N. Le Grand pers. comm. June 2012). They breed in the temporary puddles.

The population status of this species is unknown. It seems to be common within its habitat, and was quite abundant at the sites in Guinea (N.G. Kouame pers. comm. June 2012). The current population trend is unknown. It was last found in 2011 (N.G. Kouame and G.N. Le Grand pers. comm. June 2012).

There are no reports of this species being utilized.

In Guinea, slash-and-burn techniques are a threat to this species' habitat. This is done in the dry season when they burn down the grass for feed of the cattle (nomadic herders) (N.G. Kouame pers. comm. June 2012). There is also bauxite mining and iron ore mining ongoing in some of the areas where this species occurs causing habitat modification such as the construction of roads, access roads such as train tracks (which are planned in some areas), which are potential barriers to the spread of amphibians.

• 3.2 Mining & quarrying
• 7.1.1 Increase in fire frequency/intensity
• 4.1 Roads & railroads
• 2.1.1 Shifting agriculture

It occurs in the Mount Nimba World Heritage Site, it might also be found in Pic de Fon Classified Forest (G.N. Le Grand pers. comm. June 2012). Research recommended includes survey in areas between the known sites to check the actual distribution and population monitoring (G.N. Le Grand pers. comm. June 2012).

• 2.1 Site/area management

Listed as Data Deficient as more information on its actual distribution and area of occupancy is needed. However, there are threats, such as mining and slash-and-burn techniques, that are affecting at least parts of its habitat, which are likely to cause a decline in the quality of its habitat. Further research on its actual distribution and population status are therefore urgent. It is found in some protected areas.

Our records suggest that this species may not have been formally reassessed. Using the estimate of the EOO (based on the currently mapped distribution) is 7,691 km², the number of threat-defined locations (6) and the fact that the habitat quality/extent is in decline, this species could qualify for VU B1 ab(iii). EJM

• Guibé, J. and Lamotte, M. 1957. Revision systematique des Ptychadena (Batraciens Anoures Randies) d'Afrique Occidentale. Bulletin de l'Institution Fondamental d'Afrique Noire: 937-1003.
• Guibé, J. and Lamotte, M. 1958. Le reserve naturelle integrale du Mont Nimba. XII. Batraciens (sauf Arthroleptis, Phrynobatrachus et Hyperolius). Memoires de l'Institution Fondamental d'Afrique Noire: 241-273.
• Lamotte, M. 1971. Le Massif des Monts Loma (Sierra Leone), Fasciule I; XIX. Amphibiens. Memoires de l'Institution Fondamental d'Afrique Noire: 397-407.
• Rödel, M.-O. 2000. Herpetofauna of the West Africa. Volume 1. Amphibians of the West African Savannas. Edition Chimaira, Frankfurt am Main.
• Schiøtz, A. 1964. A preliminary list of amphibians collected in Ghana. Videnskabelige Meddelelser fra Dansk Naturhistorisk Forening: 1-17.