World’s Largest Frog: Working with Goliath Frogs

[findi]

Hi All,

Pac Man Frogs, African Bullfrogs and Marine Toads usually take center stage when talk turns to giant frogs. But the real goliath among them is, well, the Goliath Frog…

As a child, my information on the Goliath Frog, Conraua goliath, was limited to a few brief sentences hidden away in various books, but this was enough to spark my interest. Eventually, a life-sized sculpture of one at the American Museum of Natural History (please see photo) gave me some idea of just how impressive a creature it was, and my desire to learn more intensified. Happily, I found a job at the Bronx Zoo shortly after a group of Goliath Frogs arrived there from Cameroon, and I was able to indulge my passion. One of my new charges spanned 25 inches with legs extended…nothing, not even the enormous African Bullfrogs and Marine Toads (or, for that matter, Leatherback Turtles!) that I had already handled prepared me for the sight of that amazing animal.
Read more here http://bit.ly/11lSO3I
Please also check out my posts on Twitter http://bitly.com/JP27Nj.

Thanks, Frank
My Bio, with photos of animals I’ve been lucky enough to work with http://bitly.com/LC8Lbp
Face Book http://on.fb.me/KckP1m

 

[Meezerkoko]

That was an awesome read. I love frogs of all kinds but tree frogs have always been my favorite. I love the three frogs I have and I'm happy they're not as high strung as the Goliaths.

 

[stewstew8282]

those be some good looking frog legs! YUM!

j/k

thats a crazy huge frog. very interesting read.

 

[Formerphobe]

I remember seeing a Nat'l Geo article several decades ago on these. Amazing animals! Thanks for refreshing my memory.

 

[bugmankeith]

Mabye being they are so big they do call, but its so low humans can't hear it, sort of like certain deep sounds elephants make and others feel from a distance. Are their tadpoles huge too?

 

[findi]

That was an awesome read. I love frogs of all kinds but tree frogs have always been my favorite. I love the three frogs I have and I'm happy they're not as high strung as the Goliaths.

Thanks for the kind words! I guess the White's Treefrog defines "laid back" in the frog world...I often recommend them to people seeking advice. best, frank

---------- Post added 02-02-2013 at 05:43 PM ----------

Mabye being they are so big they do call, but its so low humans can't hear it, sort of like certain deep sounds elephants make and others feel from a distance. Are their tadpoles huge too?

Interesting idea...given the lack of field work, I doubt anyone has looked into that - looking for an expensive research project? Strangely, their tadpoles are described as "average", but there are not many details. Size generally matches up, but one notable exception is the Paradox Frog Pseudis paradoxa - tadpoles are 3-4 times the size of adults; a saw an adult in Venezuela, tads in the trade, and was very surprised! Best, Frank

---------- Post added 02-02-2013 at 05:45 PM ----------

those be some good looking frog legs! YUM!

j/k

thats a crazy huge frog. very interesting read.

Thanks for the kind words! they are hunted for food - too bad they are not as easy to breed as American Bullfrogs, commercial breeding might cut down on collecting..best, Frank

---------- Post added 02-02-2013 at 05:47 PM ----------

I remember seeing a Nat'l Geo article several decades ago on these. Amazing animals! Thanks for refreshing my memory.

My pleasure..I saw the article, and most likely have the issue!....burned into my brain at the time! Best, Frank

 

[Petross]

Amazing, thanks for sharing

 

[findi]

Amazing, thanks for sharing

My pleasure, thanks and glad you enjoyed, Frank

 

[Louise E. Rothstein]

We need to breed these frogs.

 

[findi]

We need to breed these frogs.

Hi,

No luck back in the '80's, but hormones and rain chambers, other such techniques may make a difference today; unfortunately poor contacts with home countries, political instability etc. seem to be behind fact that none are available to interested groups, orgs, Hope that will change, Best, Frank