The goliath frog is the world’s largest frog, found only in a small area of Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. It lives in fast-flowing rainforest rivers and is threatened by hunting and habitat loss.
Interesting facts
- It can weigh as much as a small house cat.
- Its tadpoles are no bigger than those of many other frogs.
- It has no vocal sac, so it cannot make loud calls like most frogs.
- It can leap about 3 metres in a single jump.
- It is hunted for food and captured for the pet trade.
- Its range is limited to a small area of Central Africa.
Behaviour
Goliath frogs rest on rocks near rapids by day and hunt at night. They are wary and leap into the water at any disturbance.
Breeding and young
Adults clear or build pools on riverbanks, where females lay hundreds of eggs.
Threats and conservation
Hunting for food, capture for the pet trade, logging, farming and dams.
Where to see it
- Rivers of southwestern Cameroon (very rarely seen)
- Sanaga River basin, Cameroon
- Mainland Equatorial Guinea
- Few zoos keep them, as they breed poorly in captivity
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
