It is found in the mountains of western Cameroon (Mount Manengouba, southernmost Bamileke Plateau, Mount Nlonako, Bamenda Highlands, Rumpi Hills) and eastern Nigeria (Obudu Plateau).

[7] Cardioglossa melanogaster occurs in montane forests, including areas with dense secondary growth.

[1] Tadpoles have been found in streams with very slow current within forest fragments and in degraded areas with farms nearby.

[7] Cardioglossa melanogaster is most abundant in the higher part of its altitudinal range.

It is threatened by habitat loss caused by agricultural encroachment (including plantations of tree crops), expanding human settlements, and extraction of wood for firewood and building materials.