Edible Amphibian Species: Local Knowledge of their Consumption in Southwest Nigeria and their Nutritional Value

Abstract

The knowledge of the consumption of edible amphibian species in southwest Nigeria was investigated based on interviews. There were a total of 900 respondents of which 92.8% were aware of edible frogs being consumed by humans. Six hundred and sixty (73.3%) respondents had seen various individuals eating frogs. Examining the respondents themselves, 387 (43.0%) has eaten frogs. The occupation with the highest consumption of amphibian species was the farmers (64.1%) followed by the secondary school teachers (57.0%) and the least being the housewives (27.3%). Ptychadena pumilio has the highest protein content (19.79%) followed by Xenopus muelleri (19.53%). Hoplobatrachus occipitalis has a protein content of 19.46% and fats and oils of 1.06%. Xenopus muelleri has the highest fat and oil percentage while Ptychadena pumilio has the lowest (0.97%). Glutamic acid followed by aspartic acid was the highest concentration of amino acid in all the species. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that there was no significant difference in the  concentration of the amino acid among the three species of edible anurans at (P > 0.05). Frog meat serves as a good source of protein for the local inhabitants. But the unsustainable use of these edible frog species would have a detrimental effect on the ecosystem. Hence frog farming and conservation efforts must be encouraged.