A frog believed to be extinct for over 40 years was reidentified in 2005 in the Togo-Volta highlands that span eastern Ghana and western Togo in West Africa. The Critically Endangered Togo Slippery Frog is endemic to this region and relies almost completely on fast-flowing, rocky streams and waterfalls. Rainforest Trust’s ongoing support of Herp Conservation-Ghana since 2018 resulted in the 2,132-acre Onepone Endangered Species Refuge to protect the frog from hunting and safeguard its habitat from land-grabbing for high-end, mountain-based tourism. This is the first forest area protected specifically for frogs in West Africa.

The recent discovery of a larger, breeding population of these threatened frogs outside the refuge presents an urgent need to quadruple the protected area to 9,632 acres and safeguard the majority of the frog’s global range. Without urgent conservation measures to limit deforestation and harmful agricultural pollution and discourage hunting, the newly identified population could be wiped out, spelling the end of hope for the frog’s survival. Alternatively, if the highlands and headwater streams can be protected and a substantial number of juveniles recently identified reaches full maturity, the known global adult population of the Togo Slippery Frog would more than double.

Protect critical highland habitat from development and exploitation

Preserving the flow of clean water for the Togo Slippery Frog ensures water supplies for several downstream communities. Conserving the Togo-Volta highlands safeguards a secure sanctuary for more than 12 threatened species, including the Critically Endangered Hooded Vulture and Great Tiger-nut Tree, and Vulnerable White-bellied Pangolin. Biodiversity surveys of the proposed expansion area documented a total of 494 species, including 20 amphibians, 76 butterflies, 152 birds, 24 mammals and 222 plants.

Sustain community support for conservation

Our partner’s long-term success is attributed to the strong local support for their community-based conservation methods. As the refuge expands, local communities will continue to benefit from diversified livelihood opportunities, including ecotourism that has been enhanced by a canopy walkway in the refuge, and organic apple farming.

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