Hop along, and frogmarch the kids to learn about these leapers
KISSING every frog till you find your prince charming – this is perhaps the most commonly known relationship between these amphibians and humans.
But there’s more to these creatures than meets the eye, and there’s no better time to find out more about frogs than today, which is National Frog Day, and residents have been urged to take care of these amphibians that are an essential part of many ecosystems.
South Africa has more than 150 species of frog and 15% of these are listed as threatened or endangered.
“Among those that are found in Durban which are threatened species are the Kloof frog and the Pickersgill’s frog. Frogs are really an indication of a healthy environment,” said Carl Schloms, herpetologist at uShaka Marine World.
In highlighting the important role played by our leaping and croaking friends, uShaka Marine World has set up a frog display.
Those visiting the display outside Arena two at Dangerous Creatures in the Village Walk will get a chance to learn more about frogs from herpetologists and conservationists on site.
“We have indigenous frogs on display so that people can learn more about the frogs in their gardens and learn to identify the various sounds they make,” said Schloms.
He explained that frogs, which are vulnerable to toxins on land and in water because of their permeable skin, feed on many different insects, including mosquitoes.
“This is except for the great bull frog, which eats almost anything that will fit into its mouth, including snakes and mice,” he added.
According to Schloms, there are no poisonous frogs in South Africa as there are in Brazil and no harm would come to someone who touched or picked one up.
“There are some that might cause a little irritation, if after touching them you rub your eyes, touch your mouth or your nose, and these include the banded rubber frog,” he said.
Schloms advised that because of their sensitive skin, the best way to handle a frog when moving it was to use a broom to scoop it up into a box and then release it outside.
Awareness around the conservation of these amphibians is expected to run until tomorrow at uShaka. Admission to Dangerous Creatures is normally R55 per person, but this weekend is R35 per person. Children under 3 enter free.