Frog Species Found At 4,000 Metres On Kilimanjaro Sets African Altitude Record

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) -- A frog species has been discovered at an unprecedented altitude of 4,000 metres (m) on Mount Kilimanjaro, marking the highest known habitat for frogs in Africa to date.

The finding was made by climbing expedition company Altezza Travel in June 2024 and subsequently reported to the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI), prompting a scientific investigation into the discovery.

According to Altezza Travel in a statement, until now, scientists believed that frogs could not survive above 3,000 m on the African continent.

A follow-up expedition conducted from Feb 20 to 25, led by a research team that included Professor Alan Channing, an amphibian expert from the North-West University in South Africa, successfully located the frogs in river systems at altitudes between 3,500 m and 4,000 m.

Professor Channing said the findings challenge existing scientific assumptions about amphibian altitude tolerance on the continent.

DNA samples were collected and tested in South Africa, confirming the frogs belong to the “Amietia wittei” species, now proven capable of surviving at much higher altitudes than previously recorded.

The high-altitude research, carried out along Kilimanjaro’s river systems, also raised environmental concerns. Scientists have cautioned that the frog faces potential threats, including water contamination from dishwashing chemicals used by mountain porters, shrinking water sources due to climate change, and predation by birds. 

Further research is planned to assess these threats and guide future conservation efforts.

Altezza Travel fully funded and organised the expedition, covering DNA analysis, laboratory testing, international transportation, and providing logistical support such as guides, porters, food supplies and oxygen tanks. A detailed report has since been released by the company.

-- BERNAMA