[1][2][4] It is endemic to Cameroon and known from the Western High Plateau between Mount Oku and the Bamboutos Mountains.

[7] Furthermore, the characteristic dorsal markings and the white line running under the tympanum are absent.

[5] Despite these unusual morphological characters, genetic data nest C. oreas well within the genus Cardioglossa.

It is typically found in areas around fast-flowing streams, its breeding habitat.

[1] Cardioglossa oreas is common within its small range, but the distribution of this species is severely fragmented and its forest habitat is declining.