The African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) is an invasive amphibian species in the UK, originally introduced in the 20th century through the pet trade and its use in pregnancy testing before modern methods. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, this aquatic frog is highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of freshwater habitats, including ponds and slow-moving streams. While its UK populations are limited, X. laevis poses ecological risks, as it is a voracious predator of invertebrates and small vertebrates, potentially disrupting native ecosystems. Additional it is a known carrier of the chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis), which has contributed to amphibian declines globally. Conservationists monitor its presence to mitigate its ecological impact.
