"Amphibians act as an important indicator species for healthy environments and are a vital part of the food chain, making up the diet of many other species; some that rely on amphibians as a sole source of food. Without amphibians, insect populations could grow out of control and potentially spread disease that could threaten human populations and agriculture. The loss of the entire class of amphibians would have a catastrophic effect on the ecosystem. FrogWatch is an easy, enjoyable way for people who have an interest in amphibians and the environment to help.” Lou Perrotti, director of conservation programs
Amphibian species are disappearing at an alarming rate across the globe due to a number of factors such as habitat loss, pollution, and disease. As a citizen scientist with FrogWatch USA, you can help save our frogs!
FrogWatch trainings cover the importance of amphibians in the environment. The instruction focuses on how to:
• monitor our local frog population to protect the species;
• determine factors when choosing a site to monitor;
• tell frog species apart by their calls; and,
• report findings to FrogWatch USA.
Saturday, May 5: 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Price: $10/household (includes up to 2 adults and 2 children age 8+)
After passing a test on identifying frog calls at the end of the training, certified volunteers then commit to monitoring a local amphibian habitat (such as a pond or lake) approximately once a week for about 15 minutes, and collecting/submitting data on what they hear. Data collected will be added to a national FrogWatch USA database. In 2014, Rhode Island FrogWatch citizen scientists followed 80 sites almost 900 times! In those 900 observations, FrogWatchers heard more than 1,220 frog choruses.
Questions? Contact Programs@rwpzoo.org or call (401) 785-3510 ext. 358.
Please note: FrogWatch trainings will cover a large amount of information and protocols. While FrogWatching is a great after-dark family activity for all ages, the trainings are designed for interested older children and adults.