The frog and other amphibians are croaking! Over 100 species have already become extinct in the past 30 years while about a third or more of all frogs and amphibian species are on the brink due to habitat loss, lower population growth and lethal infection outbreaks.
That’s why 2008 (a leap year no less) has been declared Year of the Frog by the global conservation community. We’re jumping in to help raise awareness on how you can help save the frogs.
That’s why 2008 (a leap year no less) has been declared Year of the Frog by the global conservation community. We’re jumping in to help raise awareness on how you can help save the frogs.
So, what can you do, really? Here are a few ideas to start you off:
1.
Educate yourself and others What with over 6,000 known species in the world, there’s always something new to be discovered about amphibians. You can easily find out information or interesting facts from books, magazines and the internet. Educate yourself and then educate your family and friends about amphibians and their plight.
2.
Dispose of rubbish the right way. Because of their permeable skin, frogs are usually the first to be affected by pollution in the environment. Always throw your rubbish into designated bins so that it can be disposed of properly. What you discard carelessly could pollute and turn the natural habitats of frogs uninhabitable.
3.
Never release non-native animals into the wild. The introduction of exotic species into our natural environment has meant that native species are finding it harder to earn a living. The aliens such as the aggressive American bull frogs oust our local animals from their place in the ecosystem and directly reduce the biodiversity of the area. Our forests are the last refuge of many local species in urban Singapore. Do not release any non-native animals into our natural reserves – you may be causing more harm than you imagine.
4.
Rein in your pets Dogs and cats have a good nose for sniffing out frogs and can sometimes cause them grievous injury. If you come across a frog while you are out with your pet, study it, listen to it, and then leave it be. Teach your pet never to harass or pester wildlife.
5.
Reduce the size of your carbon footprint Amphibian populations are affected by climate change worldwide. If you reduce your energy consumption, or switch to using renewable energy, you too can help slow the rate of climate change. If you need to drive, drive fuel-efficient cars. If you don’t need to, take the bus or MRT. Think twice about switching on the air-con (could you use the fan instead?) and use energy-saving light bulbs!
6.
Hold back on the pesticidesAs amphibians can absorb chemicals from their surroundings right through their skin, herbicides and insecticides can prove to be lethal for them. Don't use pesticides. Instead, let the spiders, geckos and the frogs themselves get rid of those pests for free. If you have a garden, you can also teach your family members how to identify weeds and pull them out. Employ them as your natural “weed-killers” instead of resorting to chemical warfare.
7.
Make your garden a habitat for frogs to thrive inAll frogs need water and shelter. To make your garden a place that frogs would love to come home to, provide favourite frog furniture like leaf litter, rocks, logs. Plant up the area and if possible, add in a pond. Soon you might find frogs and other wildlife taking up residence.
