Blog: Frogs - the true champions of the ecosystem

Next in our series of 'Animal Champions' themed blogs, Amelia Garland, volunteer at Shaldon Wildlife Trust, on the value of all things ranine: AKA frogs.

When we think of animal champions many may envision animals such as lions, whales or eagles. Yet amoung the unsung heroes of the animal kingdom frogs hold a special if often overlooked place. These amphibians are true champions having significantly contributed to ecological balance, scientific advancement and cultural symbolism. Frogs play a critical role in maintain the health of ecosystems globally they play an integral role in controlling insect populations which holds huge agricultural benefits such as the Ornate Narrow-Mouthed toad which preys upon leafhoppers a common crop pest in areas such as Sri Lanka and Southern India and Cane toads which feed on sugar cane beetles which would otherwise destroy crops in areas of South America. Maintaining this balance can hold huge potential health and environmental benefits due to a reduction in the need for pesticides. Many of the insects preyed upon by frogs can also play a role in spreading diseases such as malaria and dengue fever.

Frogs are also extremely sensitive to environmental changes such as changes in air and water quality making them important bioindicators, an organism which provides an insight into the health of their ecosystems. A healthy frog [population indicates a healthy environment whereas a decline in an area can often be an early signal of ecological distress. Due to the unique permeable skin of amphibians which allows for the absorption of water they are particularly vulnerable to pollutants so can give early warnings on the onset of environmental issues.

Alongside these incredible environmental and health benefits frogs are also the masters of adaptation displaying a range of survival strategies across diverse habitats, from tropical rainforests and arid deserts to temperate woodland and urban areas. Some species such as the wood frog freeze in the winter and thaw out in during the summer months, and Darwin’s frogs brood tadpoles in their vocal sacs until their offspring hop out as froglets to increase their chances of survival. This ability to adapt to even the harshest environments highlights both their resilience and importance in a variety of environmental niches.

Frogs also play a huge role in human culture and science featuring prominently in folklore and mythology globally symbolising transformation, fertility and rebirth. In the field of science frogs have been instrumental to many research facets. For example, the African clawed frog played a key role in the development of pregnancy tests in the mid-20th century. Today many amphibians continue to contribute to our understanding of genetics, disease and regenerative medicine.

Despite their obvious global importance frogs are under huge global decline with an estimated 33-40% of species currently under threat from habitat loss, pollution, climate change and disease. However despite these threats some species have been able to make a comeback with the assistance of many conservation champions including zoos. Such as the Mallorcan midwife toad which was thought to be extinct in the 1970’s  intensive conservation efforts such as captive breeding and reintroductions have helped to stabilise the population. The green and golden bell frog native to Australia suffered a dramatic population decline in the 1980’s due to habitat loss, pollution and disease, conservationists have since implemented habitat restoration projects and captive breeding programs leading to successful reintroductions aiding the gradual population recovery in some areas.

Frogs deserve recognition as animal champions not only due to their ecological and cultural significance but also for being the animal which led me to pursue a career in the field of animal conservation. Next time you hear the call of a frog wherever you are remember you are listening to one of nature’s true animal champions.

- Amelia Garland, Shaldon Wildlife Trust

All blogs reflect the views of their author and are not necessarily a reflection of BIAZA's positions