Perret’s Toad (Sclerophrys perreti)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 172517120

Conservation of critically endangered Perret's toad Sclerophrys perreti from Idanre Hill, Nigeria: Approach from species action plan, habitat restoration

Our focal species - Sclerophrys perreti (common name: Perret’s toad) is endemic to Idanre Hill, in Ondo Province, southwestern Nigeria. It was previously thought to occur in similar habitats in southwestern Nigeria, but subsequent surveys in similar habitat around its type locality have failed to record it (Onadeko et al. 2014). This suggests that this species could be micro-endemic (Onadeko et al. 2014). This species is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ under IUCN red list http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/54732/0. This has been attributed to the ongoing decline in the extent and quality of its associated habitat mainly due to farming/agricultural activities, human movement and influx, and collection of herbal materials by traditionalist. It is therefore of utmost importance to protect this species and its associated habitat.

In this current project, we plan to carry out species re-assessment studies aimed at documenting current population status, distribution range, threats as well as conservation priority areas for Perret’s toad. Further, we will extend our work to habitat management and restoration activities, and community-based conservation education programmes.