Happy Save the Frogs Day

Scientific studies prove that frogs are one of the five coolest animals (along with vultures, rhinos, sloths and penguins). Unfortunately, scientific studies also show that amphibians in general - and frogs in particular - are the most endangered animals on the planet. Nearly a third of all amphibian species are on the verge of extinction, leading to the unfathomable possibility that your children or grandchildren might live in a world where frogs are only a memory.

In response, scientists have created Save the Frogs Day, and today, April 29, 2011,  is the third annual worldwide event in support of the little guys. There are 118 events in 20 countries across the globe, scheduled anywhere from March to June. You can find out more at Frog Day central.

Frogs are at risk from a variety of factors: "habitat destruction, infectious diseases, pollution and pesticides, climate change, invasive species, and over-harvesting for the pet and food trades." If you want to know what to do to help, you could start by distributing this fact sheet (PDF) - even if you're reading this sometime other than Frog Day.

The main site goes into more detail about conservation strategies, and in particular about the need to control invasive species and pesticides. The Tucson-based Center for Biological Diversity has a handy form letter regarding one particular brand of pesticide that is devastating frog populations.

I don't want to live in a world without frogs. So please... don't let them croak.