Save the Frogs!

The tropical leaf frog Cruziohyla calcarifer, which resides in Costa Rica, is one of the many amphibian species around the world that have been pushed to the brink of extinction by elimination of habitats and the spread of disease. In 2007, Scientists started to study this species in order to better understand the effects of the environment and diet on its health, in hopes that the resulting data would better inform conservation efforts as well as breeding efforts in contained environments.

If you are teaching science, consider these strategies for tying frogs into your lessons on endangered species:

• start with some profiles of interesting frogs (such as the poison dart frog) and some information on some of their characteristics (how ARE they able to make such loud croaking noises?)
• spend some time discussing the various types of frogs and how they are classified. Explaining the differences between frogs and toads (which ARE types of frogs) is a helpful opener for discussing classification.
• discuss how various frog species developed different adaptations over many generations.
  
• discuss differences in the habitats, niches, and feeding habits of different frogs.
• once the students are hooked, discuss the human activities that are eliminating habitats and threatening frog species. Discuss the current conservation efforts that are being undertaken.

The issue of endangered frogs is a hot topic, and if you are in the Boston area, there is a great exhibit at the Museum of Science on the plight of the frog species. There you can learn about a variety of frog species and become familiar with current conservation programs.

For more information on the tropical leaf frog above, check out an article on the species here.