by Kerry Kriger, PhD
Introduction
Amphibians are under severe threat worldwide, and urgent action is necessary to prevent their extinction. As the world’s leading amphibian conservation organization, SAVE THE FROGS! is at the forefront of efforts to protect these essential species. Since 2008, our international team of scientists, educators, policymakers and naturalists have been protecting amphibian populations from pollution, pesticides, infectious diseases, global warming, invasive species, habitat destruction and over-harvesting for the pet, food, and laboratory trades. In this article, we will guide you through three impactful ways you can get involved: building wetlands, celebrating Save The Frogs Day, and participating in the SAVE THE FROGS! Art Contest. But first, why should we even care about these small creatures that many people rarely see?
Why Amphibians Matter
Amphibians, the group comprised of the frogs, toads, salamanders, newts and caecilians, are vital for maintaining ecological balance. They help control pest populations and their larvae help clean our water systems. Over 10% of the Nobel Prize winners in medicine and physiology have gone to researchers whose work involved amphibians. Despite their importance, nearly one-third of the world’s amphibian species are threatened with extinction, and hundreds of species have already disappeared in recent decades.
The loss of amphibian species at an unprecedented rate—far exceeding natural extinction levels—signals a profound disturbance in our global ecosystem that could have lasting impacts on the balance of nature and human health. Amphibians serve as bioindicators, early warning systems of environmental decay. Heeding their call is of critical importance to them and to us.
Rotarian Steve Andrews, an environmental activist, writer, and singer-songwriter, uses his art to champion Save the Frogs.
Rotarian Steve Andrews, an environmental activist, writer, and singer-songwriter, has been using his art to champion Save the Frogs since meeting me in Portugal. “I have loved nature since I was a little boy and amphibians were among the wonders of the natural world I discovered as a child,” he says. “I remember keeping tadpoles and seeing how they transform into froglets. I also had my first experience of habitat destruction as a boy when a pond in a local park that in spring was the home of tadpoles and newts was drained. I was horrified.
“I am originally from Wales but now live in Portugal and I keep an eye on the local frog populations. I see for myself how climate change is a big threat because some years the vernal pools the amphibians need either fail to form or dry up quickly. I am a singer-songwriter and author and environmental activist and I use the platform that this gives me in the media, to speak out about the dangers to amphibians worldwide.”
Build A Wetland
Wetlands are not just crucial habitats for amphibians; they are biodiversity hotspots that benefit the entire ecosystem. They serve as natural water filtration systems, carbon sinks, and breeding grounds for various species. Find a wetland and you will likely find frogs too. As habitat destruction is the number one cause of amphibian population decline worldwide, building and restoring wetlands is one of the most important actions we can take to ensure the future of amphibians.
The SAVE THE FROGS! Academy Wetlands course offers comprehensive online training on wetland ecology and practical steps for constructing, restoring, and protecting these vital habitats.
The SAVE THE FROGS! Academy Wetlands course offers comprehensive online training on wetland ecology and practical steps for constructing, restoring, and protecting these vital habitats. Wetland initiatives are perfect for community groups, environmental clubs, schools and landowners committed to hands-on conservation. You can start making a difference today by enrolling in the course and getting lots of ideas for how to design, construct and maintain a wetland.
Celebrate Save The Frogs Day
Conceived and coordinated by SAVE THE FROGS! in 2009, Save The Frogs Day is celebrated on April 28th every year and is recognized as the world’s largest day of amphibian education and conservation action. This event mobilizes thousands of volunteers across the globe to raise awareness about the plight of amphibians.
You can contribute to this vital cause by organizing local events, educational talks, frog walks, and conservation activities in your area. Resources and event planning guides are available on the Save The Frogs Day webpage to help you host an impactful and informative Save The Frogs Day event. Team up with a local environmental group to increase your impact and introduce new people to the amphibian conservation movement. Steve Andrews spoke on behalf of Save the Frogs Day in a podcast just before before this year’s celebration.
Participate in the SAVE THE FROGS! Art Contest
The SAVE THE FROGS! Art Contest harnesses the universal language of art to spread awareness about amphibian conservation.
The SAVE THE FROGS! Art Contest harnesses the universal language of art to spread awareness about amphibian conservation. Open to all ages and skill levels, this contest invites participants to create inspiring artworks that depict amphibians and their environments. By entering the contest, artists not only raise awareness but also help generate funding for amphibian conservation, as winning artworks are featured on official SAVE THE FROGS! merchandise. This is a fantastic way for schools and community groups to engage creatively in environmental advocacy, even if the teacher does not have prior experience with amphibians.
Every Action Counts
While the rapid disappearance of amphibians in recent times counts as one of the world’s greatest environmental issues, there are fortunately lots of ways we can all help out. Begin by improving your own ecological footprint, and then spread the word about amphibians.
Your involvement—whether by participating in our educational courses, engaging in community events, or by enlisting the involvement of other environmental groups—helps us make a significant impact on amphibian conservation worldwide. We know that these efforts work, as we see more legislation that benefits amphibians, more groups involved in their conservation, more wetlands being built by schools, private landowners and government agencies, and more students pursuing careers in amphibian conservation. And of course, the calls of frogs around our backyard ponds is always a source of joy and hope.
Conclusion
The conservation of amphibians is an urgent global issue that requires immediate and sustained action. SAVE THE FROGS! looks forward to your active involvement and we are excited to see how the Rotary community can drive forward our shared goals on behalf of the planet, its people and wildlife. Let’s leap into action to ensure a vibrant future for all of Earth’s inhabitants!
About the Author
Dr. Kerry Kriger is the founder of SAVE THE FROGS!, the world’s most effective amphibian conservation organization. A dedicated amphibian biologist with a deep passion for wildlife and ecological health, Dr. Kriger has spearheaded global efforts to protect amphibian populations through education, community engagement and innovative, science-based initiatives. An ESRAG member, he has given talks to several Rotary Clubs and an ESRAG seminar. Fellow ESRAG member Steve Andrews, the Bard of Ely, is a member of the Rotary Club of Wyndham Harbour in Australia, which shares his passion for protecting the ocean and biodiversity.