New Years Resolution for 2013–green for frogs!

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We’ve talked about frogs in previous posts, and frogs are once again our endangered species of the week.   Many frog species are critically endangered throughout the world (up to 40% of species).  Since frogs are keystone species in many of their ecosystems this fact is newsworthy – a keystone species is a species that has a disproportionate impact on its ecosystem, relative to its biomass; like a keystone in an archway, if the keystone species is removed, the arch, or ecosystem, could collapse.  A recent front-page Washington Post article provides a valuable update on frog conservation.   

So what’s a greenmomster to do? 

• Locally, be sure to protect frog habitat; the areas where frogs live are often sensitive areas that affect the quality of water.  Is there a new road or housing project being put into your neighborhood?  Have the builders checked for the presence of frogs and other amphibians.
• Join Frogwatch USA and help with citizen science to keep track of local frogs. 
• Got a lawn?  Check out the FWS Homeowner’s Guide to Protecting Frogs – it’s a great guide for reducing use of pesticides and herbicides that can harm frogs. 
• Globally, consider supporting organizations involved in frog protection – Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project (for frogs in Panama), Amphibian Ark, or you can even adopt a frog at the World Wildlife Fund.

Conservation efforts of this size cost money, but this is a problem we can help address.  Did you know that, according to the National Retail Federation, the average American spent $80 on Halloween, totaling nearly $8 billion in 2012?  And that in 2010 American consumers were estimated to have spent over $20 billion on video games?  Why not resolve to spend a little less on entertainment, and a little more on our kids’ future environment in 2013?

Here’s a great interview with a Smithsonian scientist who’s on the front lines of frog conservation:

 

Sources:

Investopedia.  2012.  “How Much Americans Spend on Halloween.”  October 24, 2012.  Accessed online 12/31/12.  http://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/1012/how-much-americans-spend-on-halloween.aspx#axzz2GfYCB8KX

Venturebeat. 2010.  “Americans spend $25.3B each year on video games.”  May 9, 2010.  Accessed online 12/31/12.  http://venturebeat.com/2010/05/09/americans-spend-25-3b-each-year-on-video-games/#PF6qGkDgzSptJQ0r.99