Frogie frogie day.....

Kenya wildlife safaris: The Frog

Croak! Croak! Croak!

How many times have you heard heard them and ignored them? or how many times have you paid attention to their presence? But for others, we have been fascinated by the beautiful voices but others got enraged by the loud "noise" disturbing you.

Usually the loud noise is made by the male frogs calling to attract females to the breeding sites for mating. Mostly it takes takes place during the rainy seasons. The males also call to announce the territories so as to keep off other males.

Frogs going silent Noticeably, these amphibians are going silent globally. And the sad thing is that the decline is happening even in forests where there is no human interference! We destroy amphibians' breeding habitats when we drain wetlands that serve as their breeding sites, when we remove trees or natural vegetation used for breeding and refuge by adults or when we alter the flow of streams and rivers. Climatical change is playing its part too, in addition to the invasive species, hemical contamination and infectious diseases to mention but a few.Viral and fungal diseases have resulted in mass deaths in the prestine areas.

A thing we should all note..
Frogs permeable soft skin can help us to tell the health of our environment.
The skin allows for moisture to pass through it easily. Unfortunaly, substances like pollutants enter their bodies and therefore frogs are amongst the first animals to disappear in cases of environmental pollution.

While in some countries they are considered a delicacy, they are a needed meal by many species of fish, snakes and birds So before diverting that stream, or clearing those bushes/trees irresponsibly, think of how much damage you will cause in the food chain.

Become a frogie friend...Start by observing and amphibians in your neighborhood, and enjoy the beautiful sounds, and magnificent colors.
When it rains, have a frogie day, go out listen to them, compare colors and record the differences. And if you come across pond/pool/river with dead frogs, its time to call the authority and have it checked: Do not drain chemicas and sewage to the rivers or pools.

These guys are on decline worldwide, and we are responsible. Other generations need to hear them too, tour resposibly and respect their right to live.

Have a Frogie-happy outing.

By Peter K. Philip

kenia safari desk
Natural Track Safaris