Understand
Critically endangered Afia Birago's puddle frogs bred in captivity for the first time at London Zoo
Overview
Fifteen critically endangered Afia Birago's puddle frogs have been successfully bred in captivity for the first time at London Zoo. The species, native to Ghana's Atewa Hills Forest Reserve, was only described by scientists in 2018 and faces severe threats from mining. The breeding techniques developed by ZSL experts are being shared with conservationists in Ghana to help build a population for potential release into the wild.
Key points
- Fifteen critically endangered Afia Birago's puddle frogs were born at London Zoo, marking the first time the species has been bred in captivity.
- The species is native to Ghana's Atewa Hills Forest Reserve and is threatened by mining in its limited habitat.
- The newborn froglets measure about 5mm long and weigh less than 1.75g when fully grown.
- Twenty adult frogs were brought to London Zoo in September 2025 to establish care and breeding knowledge.
- The breeding techniques developed by keepers are being shared with the CSIR-Forestry Research Institute of Ghana to support future wild releases.