Safeguarding Critically Endangered Warty Frogs in Mkingu Nature Reserve, Morogoro Region, Tanzania

Sarah Christian Mshanga

Other project team members: Leena Lulandala, Lucia Romward Reveliani and Eva Johnson Ayaro

This project focuses on conserving the Critically Endangered warty frogs, which are found only in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. These frogs are confined to less than 100 km² of montane forest within Mkingu Nature Reserve in the Nguru mountains. The species face serious threats from habitat degradation. The mountains are heavily impacted by anthropogenic pressures, including deforestation, agricultural encroachment, logging, and fire, which reduce the quality of frog habitat and threaten species survival. The presence of Ubiri village within the reserve (approx. 1,200 residents), together with rapid population growth in surrounding villages, increases pressure on forest resources. This project aims to reduce anthropogenic pressures on frog habitats through four objectives: (1) assess population size and habitat condition; (2) engage local communities through education and awareness programs; (3) apply predictive modeling to identify alternative economic and land-use options that reduce pressure on forest resources; and (4) strengthen local conservation capacity to support long-term conservation. Expected outcomes include frog population data, increased conservation awareness among residents, and reduced encroachment. To ensure lasting impact, the project will build a strong stakeholder network to support conservation that balances ecological integrity and human well-being.