Frogs, fascinating creatures that bridge the gap between aquatic and terrestrial environments, come in various shapes and sizes. Among them, some species stand out for their impressive size, earning the title of the largest frogs in the world. In this article, we will delve into the captivating realm of amphibians and unveil the top 10 largest frogs.
World’s Largest Frogs
The world of amphibians boasts extraordinary diversity, with some frogs standing out for their remarkable size. Topping the list is the Goliath Frog, a colossal species from Central Africa, weighing up to 3.3 pounds. Other notable giants include the Cane Toad, African Bullfrog, and Paraguay Horned Frog. These remarkable creatures showcase nature’s fascinating variations in size among the largest frogs globally.
Biggest Frog in the World 2024
Securing the top spot as the largest frog globally, the Goliath Frog reigns with a snout-to-vent length of 32cm (12.6 inches) and an impressive weight of 3.3kg (7.3 lbs). Inhabiting the streams and rainforests of Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, these colossal frogs exhibit astonishing strength, with males capable of moving rocks to create expansive nests for egg-laying. Sporting vibrant yellow-green or yellow-orange hues, Goliath frogs have a diverse diet, including fish, snakes, birds, and amphibians. Sadly, they face endangerment due to hunting, pet trade, and habitat loss from deforestation.
Key Facts Related to the Largest Frog in the World
Here are some of the key facts related to the Goliath Frog, the largest frog in the world:
- Species Identification: The Goliath frog (Conraua goliath), also known as the giant slippery frog, holds the title of the world’s largest living frog.
- Size and Weight: These frogs can reach up to an impressive 32 cm in length and weigh as much as 3.25 kg.
- Habitat: Native to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, they inhabit dense equatorial forests near waterfalls and rivers.
- Threats to Survival: Goliath frogs face endangerment due to habitat destruction, overhunting for food, and the pet trade.
- Conservation Status: Classified as an endangered species, conservation measures are crucial to counter the impact of hunting and habitat loss.
- Omnivorous Diet: Goliath frogs display an omnivorous diet, consuming various terrestrial, aquatic, and semi-aquatic prey.
- Reproduction: These frogs lack vocal sacs and create nests, showcasing parental care. The egg masses are attached to aquatic vegetation.
- Longevity: Goliath frogs can live up to 15 years in the wild and up to 21 years in captivity.
- Parasites: Threatened by parasites, goliath frogs are vulnerable to microfilarial nematodes and helminths, impacting their health.
- Chytridiomycosis: Goliath frogs are susceptible to chytridiomycosis, a deadly infectious disease affecting amphibians.
- Physiological Adaptations: Their extensive skin folds aid respiratory gas exchange, and unique physiological adaptations support their predation methods.
- Human Interactions: Local hunting practices for food, using lanterns and nets, contribute to the endangerment of goliath frogs, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.
Top-10 Largest Frogs in the World By 2024
Goliath Frog, with the maximum length of 12.6 inches, holds the title of the biggest frog in the world, followed by Chilean Giant Frog, Lake Junin Frog, Blyth’s River Frog, and Cane Toad.
Here is the list of top-10 largest frogs in the world by 2024:
LARGEST FROGS IN THE WORLD 2024 | |||
Rank | Frogs | Maximum length | Native Regions |
1. | Goliath Frog (Conraua goliath) | 12.6 inches | Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea |
2. | Chilean Giant Frog (Calyptocephalella gayi) | 12.5 inches | Chile |
3. | Lake Junin Frog (Telmatobius macrostomus) | 12 inches | Peru |
4. | Blyth’s River Frog (Limnonectes blythii) | 10.2 inches | Asia |
5. | Cane Toad (Rhinella marina) | 9.4 inches | Central and South America, invasive worldwide |
6. | African Bullfrog (Pyxicephalus adspersus) | 9 inches | Southern Africa |
7. | Mountain Chicken Frog (Leptodactylus fallax) | 8.7 inches | Caribbean |
8. | American Bullfrog (Rana catesbianus) | 8 inches | North America |
9. | Surinam Horned Frog (Ceratophrys cornuta) | 7.9 inches | South America, common in the pet trade |
10. | Smoky Jungle Frog (Leptodactylus pentadactylus) | 7.1 inches | South America |
World’s Largest Frog – Goliath Frog
Scientific Name: Conraua goliath
Maximum Length: 12.6 inches
Native Regions: Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea
The Goliath frog, claiming the title of the world’s largest frog with a 32cm length and 3.3kg weight, resides in the rainforests of Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. Recognized for its ability to move rocks and create extensive nests, these giants face endangerment due to hunting, pet trade, and habitat loss from deforestation.
Second Biggest Frog in the World – Chilean Giant Frog
Scientific Name: Calyptocephalella gayi
Maximum Length: 12.5 inches
Native Regions: Chile
The Chilean Giant Frog, often mistaken for a toad, belongs to the family Calyptocephalellidae. Females, reaching up to 32cm in length and 3kg in weight, surpass males who grow to about 15cm. Found in Chile, these frogs face endangerment from illegal hunting and trade, leading to their Vulnerable conservation status.
Third Largest Frog in the World – Lake Junin Frog
Scientific Name: Telmatobius macrostomus
Maximum Length: 12 inches
Native Regions: Peru
The Lake Junin Frog, aptly named for its habitat in Peru’s Lake Junin, can reach an impressive length of 30cm (11.8 inches) and a weight of 2kg (4.4 lbs). Also known as the Andes Smooth Frog, their fully aquatic lifestyle in lakes and the Mantaro River makes them vulnerable to threats like hunting and pollution, leading to their endangered conservation status.