Did you know it’s Save the Frogs Day on 28th April? These fascinating and important amphibians are considered to be one of our most common amphibians in the UK, but in recent years their populations have been declining substantially worldwide.
A main factor for this is habitat loss. Ponds that they would use for breeding are filled in for development purposes, decreasing habitat availability for breeding and general survival. Frogs are also frequently killed on roads whilst trying to cross to get to breeding sites.
Another danger frogs face is pesticides which accumulates in the frog’s tissue leading to a suppressed immune system affecting their mortality and can also cause reproductive changes. Air pollution and diseases such as ranavirus are also factors in their decline. Frogs are extremely sensitive to any changes in the environment, so the slightest shift in their natural conditions can drastically alter frogs’ survival. They are such an important species because they give us a great insight into the health of the ecosystems they inhabit.
We can help our frogs by raising awareness around the danger’s frogs face, being more environmentally friendly and by not using pesticides. You can also help these amazing amphibians by creating ponds in your garden where possible and making habitat stacks, let’s help save the frog’s by stacking your logs!
Find out more in our Just Add Water Guide and check out our Wildlife at Home web page for more tips!
