Interview:Save The Frogs! with Kerry Kriger
On a new Wild For Change podcast, we speak with amphibian biologist Dr. Kerry Kriger, founder of Save the Frogs!
Save The Frogs! began in 2008 and works across the United States as well as around the world to prevent the extinction of amphibians and to create a better planet for humans and wildlife, while also empowering ordinary citizens to contribute to the betterment of the planet.
According to Save The Frogs! “Frog populations have been declining worldwide at unprecedented rates, and nearly one-third of the world’s amphibian species (approximately 2,000 amphibians) are threatened with extinction. Up to 200 species have completely disappeared since 1980, and this is NOT normal: amphibians naturally go extinct at a rate of only about one species every 500 years!”
Some of the major advancements made by Save The Frogs! includes;
Prevented the construction of a 12-story restaurant and apartment complex on top of one of Canada’s last three populations of Fowler’s Toads.Stopped the City of San Francisco from destroying the Little Yosemite Canyon stretch of Alameda Creek, which is prime breeding habitat for Foothill Yellow-Legged Frogs.Assisted with or independently led the construction or restoration of 29 wetlands, involving over a thousand volunteers.Disbursed over $100,000 in grants to 47 amphibian conservationists in 16 countries.
In this podcast, we will discover;
How Dr. Kriger began his career and created Save The Frogs! Some of the areas around the globe Save The Frogs! is actively helping to protect frogs and other amphibians. What are the main threats to the frog’s existence.Learn why the frog and other amphibians are considered an indicator species and what that means for us and the health of the planet. The role we play in helping to save the frogs and ourselves.The massive global frog trade and why many frogs are becoming sick with the virus Chytridiomycosis.Why wetlands are of monumental importance not only for frogs but for us. How you can can build your own backyard wetland to support frogs.How to celebrate Save The Frogs! Day on April 28th.