Hansen’s warty (Callulina hanseni)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 242535997

Understanding the Ecology and Conservation of Hansen's Warty Frog, and Community Empowerment along Nguru Mountain Forest Reserve, Tanzania

 The project title: Understanding the Ecology, and Conservation of Hansen's Warty Frog, and Community along South Nguru Forest Reserve, Tanzania.

Hansen’s Warty Frog (Callulina hanseni) is a critically endangered amphibian species endemic to the South Nguru Mountains, part of Tanzania’s Eastern Arc range. This montane forest specialist is found at elevations around 1790 meters, where it depends on moist, undisturbed forest habitats. Its limited distribution and sensitivity to environmental change make it highly vulnerable to threats such as deforestation, agricultural encroachment, and unsustainable harvesting of forest resources. The South Nguru Forest Reserve, although rich in biodiversity, faces increasing pressure from human activities, making conservation of Callulina hanseni  warty frog both urgent and complex.

The overarching aim of this project is to deepen ecological understanding of Callulina hanseni while fostering community-led conservation in the South Nguru landscape. Specific objectives include mapping the species’ distribution, studying its habitat preferences and breeding ecology, and identifying key threats to its survival. These ecological insights will inform conservation planning and contribute to updated IUCN Red List assessments. Equally important is the integration of local communities into conservation efforts. The project seeks to build capacity through environmental education, promote sustainable livelihoods, and establish participatory forest governance structures that align ecological goals with community needs.

Conservation outcomes are expected to be multifaceted. Scientifically, the project will generate baseline data on Callulina hanseni, helping to fill critical knowledge gaps and guide future monitoring. These reserves will serve as buffers against forest degradation and provide corridors for biodiversity. Through community empowerment, the initiative will reduce illegal logging and land conversion by offering alternative income sources such as eco-tourism, agroforestry, and forest-based enterprises. environmental awareness campaigns will foster a sense of stewardship among local residents, encouraging long-term protection of the forest and its endemic species.

By combining  ecological research with grassroots engagement, this project offers a holistic model for amphibian conservation in Tanzania. It not only safeguards a rare and threatened frog but also strengthens the ecological and economic resilience of communities living in the South Nguru region. In doing so, it contributes to the broader goals of biodiversity preservation, climate adaptation, and sustainable development within the Eastern