We barely know they exist, and they're already endangered. That's the story of four species of frogs that were recently discovered in the Upper Guinea rainforest. These "torrent frogs" have distinctive tusk-like appendages on their bottom jaws.
The frogs came to light last year when Michael F. Barej confirmed their existence, and they are already eligible for IUCN's Red List of endangered species. They live in waterfalls and waterways with strong currents in a few places in West Africa. A good part of their habitat falls within the boundaries of the Ivory Coast. The torrent frogs have three or more strikes against them. Rainforests the world over are being decimated and fragmented, and the Upper Guinea forests are no exception.
Please join with me in asking the Ivory Coast's National Assembly to declare a moratorium on development and industrial use of the upper Guinean Rainforest until a complete inventory of the area's wildlife has been completed.
Dear Ivory Coast National Assembly:
We the undersigned are deeply concerned about the future of the Upper Guinea torrent frog and other species in the Upper Guinea rainforest. It appears that scientists are only now documenting the riches of the Upper Guinea forest ecosystem. It is not only possible, but likely, that other species exist within your forests of which science is not yet aware. The torrent frogs are recent discoveries, but they are already in danger of extinction because of development and forest framentation. Please declare a moratorium on deforestation, construction, and industrial use of your rainforests until scientists have been able to complete a full inventory of endangered plants and animals that exist there.