Source Sustainability
Fair Choice
Does the harvest for wildlife trade
or captive breeding of this species
harm wild populations?
Some Cause for Concern
Horned frogs are listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss due to agricultural and housing development is a major threat. Water and soil pollution from agriculture, industry, and human settlements are also a problem. The species is sometimes killed because it is erroneously believed to be venomous. Horned frogs are also collected for the international pet trade and their eggs are sold internationally for scientific research.
PetWatch Recommendation:
When purchasing a Horned Frog, ask for proof that it is captive bred from domesticated animals. Only acquire a pet that is from a reputable USDA-licensed breeder or dealer to ensure that you are not buying an illegally wild-caught and/or imported animal.
Invasion Threat
Best Choice
Does the release or escape of this species into
the wild harm the environment and/or economy?
Little Cause for Concern
Horned Frogs do not appear to pose a threat as an invasive species.
PetWatch Recommendation:
Before obtaining a pet Horned Frog, make sure that it is legal to own one in your state of residence and check for permitting requirements. Always keep your pet inside a safe and secure enclosure. Never release a pet into the wild.
Animal Welfare
Best Choice
Does harvest, captive breeding, transport, or
being kept as a pet harm individual animals?
Little Cause for Concern
There is no evidence that Horned Frogs are mistreated in the legal pet trade.
PetWatch Recommendation:
When purchasing a pet Horned Frog, ask for proof that the animal was bred or collected by a professional wildlife dealer with a permit to sell the animal. Given the lack of oversight, animals in the illegal wildlife trade may be mistreated.
Health Threat
Worst Choice
Does this animal pose a health risk to native
wildlife, humans, livestock and agriculture?
Significant Cause for Concern
Horned Frogs are known carriers of the highly infectious amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which causes the disease Chytridiomycosis. This species is immune to Bd, but the fungus is a significant threat to most frog species. Bd has been linked to massive die-offs and recent extinctions of native frogs around the world. Horned Frogs bred in captivity in Japan were found to be infected with Bd.
Frogs may also carry Salmonella, which if ingested can cause vomiting and diarrhea; these symptoms are usually mild in healthy adults but can be fatal to infants and young children, or anyone with a compromised immune system. It is important to wash hands before and after handling an animal.
PetWatch Recommendation:
When purchasing a pet Horned Frog, ask for proof of a clean bill of health. Ask the seller if the animal has been checked by a certified veterinarian and for a list of any medical treatments the animal has received. The fungal disease Chytridiomycosis may be harmful to the health of your frog and native frogs. We recommend treating your frog to prevent infection at the time of purchase using an over the counter antifungal. Please see the Terbinafine Hydrochloride Treatment at http://www.theaquariumwiki.com/Chytrid_fungus for details. To learn more about Chytridiomycosis and the symptoms of infection, we recommend reviewing the information on Amphibian Ark.
