Source Sustainability
Best Choice
Does the harvest for wildlife trade
or captive breeding of this species
harm wild populations?
Little Cause for Concern
Populations of Zaire Dwarf Clawed Frogs appear to be thriving in the wild.
PetWatch Recommendation:
When purchasing a Zaire Dwarf Clawed 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
Fair Choice
Does the release or escape of this species into
the wild harm the environment and/or economy?
Some Cause for Concern
Zaire Dwarf Clawed Frogs were introduced to Florida in the first half of the 20th century. However, there is no evidence that the species has had detrimental effects on native species or ecosystems. Zaire Dwarf Clawed Frogs have been known to carry an infectious fungus that causes the disease Chytridiomycosis, which can kill native amphibian species.
PetWatch Recommendation:
Before obtaining a pet Zaire Dwarf Clawed 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 Zaire Dwarf Clawed Frogs are mistreated in the legal pet trade.
PetWatch Recommendation:
When purchasing a pet Zaire Dwarf Clawed 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
Zaire Dwarf Clawed Frogs are known carriers of the highly infectious amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which causes the disease Chytridiomycosis. Bd fungus is a significant threat to most frog species and has been linked to massive die-offs and recent extinctions of native frogs around the world.
Zaire Dwarf Clawed Frogs are also known carriers of infectious, parasitic worms called camallanid nematodes. These parasites do not appear to harm the host frogs, but they are a potential threat to animals that prey on the frogs. 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 Zaire Dwarf Clawed 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 for infection at the time of purchase using an over the counter antifungal. Please review the Terbinafine Hydrochloride Treatment for details. To learn more about Chytridiomycosis and the symptoms of infection, we recommend reviewing the information on Amphibian Ark.
