Assessment of frog meat utilisation in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria

Abstract

Frogs are among the most threatened species of wildlife in IUCN red list. Its utilisation in Ibadan, a major depot in western Nigeria was therefore conducted with the aim of assessing the forms and trend of use; and amongst others, reasons for frog meat consumption. Data for the study were collected through questionnaire, in-depth interviews and field observations. The questionnaire was administered randomly to 50 frog consumers from each of the two selected local government areas, while all traders (27) who sell frogs for medicinal purposes were also interviewed. Data collected were summarised using descriptive statistics. Results showed that only 35.0% of the respondents utilize frog for other purpose apart from consumption. Among these few respondents, 94.3% use it for medicinal purposes. Frog species used for medicinal purpose includes Amietophrynus regularis; Tomopterna cryptotis; and Ptychadena mascareniensis. All the respondents (100%) buy the frogs utilised, have knowledge of the sellers and were unaware of frog farms in Nigeria. All the respondents (100%) considered frog meat desirable and preferred it when dried. Almost all the respondents (98.0%) have consumed frog meat more than 10 times. Majority of the respondents (65.0%) consume frogs because of its nutritional value while few (35.0%) eat it due to economic reasons. Most respondents (77.0%) prefer the meat for its flavour, and consumed it whole (78.0%). Frog meat sold for N100 is most preferred by respondents (44.0%).Majority of the respondents (65.0%) buy frog meat once a week but utilize it twice a week (39.0%) or once a week (38.0%). However, 70.0% of the respondents would buy more frogs if they had more money. Majority of these respondents (84.0%) are unwilling to engage in frog farming.

Keywords: Frogs, Utilization, Wildlife, Biodiversity Conservation