FROG BLOG

The amphibian is quite the survivor; fossil records show he was one of the first vertebrate land animals. However, one particular amphibian is facing some trouble. After countless years of escaping predators, dodging cars (he was only trying to cross an intersection!) and facing rejection (“Why can’t she see I’m really a prince!?”), the Northern Leopard Frog has hopped his way to an at-risk status.  

There was a time, not so long ago, where the Northern Leopard Frog was a relatively common component of the Columbia Basin’s living heritage. However, after being coveted for science dissections and entrées, the Northern Leopard Frog doesn’t enjoy the large numbers he used to here in British Columbia.

And it is not just the Northern Leopard Frog who is facing hard times. Despite their huge family tree, (there are more than 4000 species of amphibians), frogs are not immune to species loss. Frogs around the world have undergone recent and widespread declines; nearly one third of all amphibians are threatened. Such declines are of significant importance because frogs are seen as indicators of environmental quality. And looking at the future of the Northern Leopard Frog, some quality control measures are in order, and fast! 

Frogs have skin that is highly permeable which makes them extremely sensitive. This means not only will they enjoy the occasional romantic comedy, but their skin allows pollutants in the environment to be readily absorbed. Lesson being, picking up a cuddly frog to share a tender moment with may actually be killing him with kindness if you have insect spray on your hands. However, it is important to recognize that direct interaction with frogs is only a small percentage of the reason the Northern Leopard Frog is in danger. The decline of frogs, the Northern Leopard Frog included, has been linked to a variety of factors. These factors include; habitat loss (people building houses), pollution (people driving cars), invasive species (often introduced by people), climate change (people being people) and increased ultra violet radiation due to thinning of the ozone layer (hmm, I wonder what causes that?). Although the specific cause for the decline of frogs is unclear, the sad truth remains, it is seems fairly obvious it is our doing.  

It is about time we give this amphibian some much deserved respect. There are many things we can do, apart from ordering frog legs, to help the amphibian. Schools are beginning to stop the sacrifice of frogs in the name of science by offering online dissections.

To learn more about what you can do to preserve the Northern Leopard Frog’s future, click here. It is truly important you do, as if the frogs go, we may not be too far behind.