Phrynobatrachus cricogaster occurs in submontane and montane primary and secondary forest, degraded forest, and dense brush at elevations of above sea level. Breeding takes place in still pools along mountain streams. It can be locally abundant (i.e., on Mount Manengouba), but the overall population is likely to have been decreasing. It is threatened by agricultural expansion, logging, and human settlements, particularly when these activities cause its habitat to be markedly opened up. It is found in the Cross River National Park in Nigeria.