Exploitation and threat traits of the Hoplobatrachus occipitalis community, an economically important frog in the Poro region, Northern Côte d’Ivoire
Paper Details
Exploitation and threat traits of the Hoplobatrachus occipitalis community, an economically important frog in the Poro region, Northern Côte d’Ivoire
Abstract
The Poro region is home to several natural habitats for frogs, and their consumption has become widespread in this part of northern Côte d’Ivoire. Frog harvesting has become a significant source of income and food for those involved in this sector. This activity is not subject to any regulatory framework, and this could lead to the extinction of the resource if no action is taken by the relevant authorities. Our study aims to characterize the exploitation of the edible frog, Hoplobatrachus occipitalis, and the factors threatening it in the Poro region, to improve fisheries resource management planning. The methodology consisted of conducting surveys with stakeholders in the sector and field visits to understand the fishing environment. The results show that spears (29%) and fishing rods (71%) are the equipment used by fishermen, who are predominantly Senufo (50%). The frog is mainly consumed in soup (62%), accompanied by rice, foutou, or attiéké. The use of agrochemicals for crops and chemicals for mining, drought, and rapid urbanization are the main factors threatening the frog population in the Poro region. Furthermore, the lack of regulations governing, the sector could be the most significant threat to this population. This study establishes a database on frog harvesting for fisheries resource managers in the Poro region, providing them with reliable information for better planning of the sustainable management of this resource.
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Kien Kouassi Brahiman*, Aka Sesseho Guy Roger, Ndiaye Awa, Kouamelan Essetchi Paul, 2026. Exploitation and threat traits of the Hoplobatrachus occipitalis community, an economically important frog in the Poro region, Northern Côte d’Ivoire. J. Biodiv. Environ. Sci., 28(4), 108-116.
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