Awesome amphibians
- POSTED ON: 23 Mar, 2023
- TOTAL VIEWS: 211 Views
- POSTED BY: Bhavya Venkatesh | Article: Madhumitha Srinivasan
- ARTICLE POINTS: 150 Points
When is World Frog Day?
March 20, every year.
Why is it observed?
It is a day to increase awareness about the importance of frogs and the need to protect and conserve species that are threatened.
So, how many types of frogs are there?
There are more than 5,000 species of frogs in the world. From swamps to the tundra, from rainforests to deserts, they thrive in diverse environments around the globe.
What makes them so fascinating?
Frogs are amphibians because they live on land as well as in water. However, unlike other amphibians, adult frogs do not have tails. They also have much longer back legs that are made for jumping. Did you know that frogs survived the mass extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs?
Agreed, they’re really unique. But why are they important?
Frogs are both predators and prey. This makes them a vital part of the food chain. Their highly permeable skin makes them an indicator of the health of the environment. They keep insects — including mosquitoes that we find so pesky — at bay. The disappearance of frogs can trigger cascading effects in the ecosystem.
Why are they in danger?
Habitat loss, human encroachment, climate change, water pollution, and diseases (especially chytridiomycosis, caused by the chytrid fungus) are some of the factors that threaten frogs worldwide. It is estimated that around 200 species of frogs have gone extinct since the 1970s. Around one-third of the world’s frog species are threatened.
Yikes! There must be something I can do.
This day is all about spreading awareness about frogs. Use this opportunity to educate yourself about the dangers facing these critters and talk to your friends and family about the need to protect them. Every little effort counts.
Hall of fame
India’s super frogs
The Indian bullfrog is the largest frog in the country. It can also be found in nearby countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
Another species of bullfrog that is widely distributed here is the Jerdon’s bullfrog, also known as the South Indian bullfrog.
With shiny purple skin and a pig-like nose, the purple frog was discovered in 2003 in the Western Ghats. It lives underground for most of the year and surfaces only for two weeks. Its discovery sent waves of excitement in the scientific community.
Bathrooms, water tanks and even glass windows…the Indian tree frog is often found near human dwellings. They are great climbers.