Frog Watch

We have lots of amphibians around our place. We have tree frogs, bull frogs, and lots of toads.

What is an amphibian? Amphibians spend at least part of their life in water. Most are born in the water. They also breathe through their skin. Amphibians are important to our environment.

In 1995, a group of Minnesota children discovered a frog with one leg. They collected 22 frogs during their field trip. The children became alarmed. Half of the frogs they collected had missing legs or other problems. The children and their teacher asked for help.

Scientists began to look at the frogs. They learned that those frogs were being poisoned by chemicals. Since that time, scientists watch amphibians to see if they are healthy. If the frogs are healthy, the environment that they live in is healthy.

Texas scientists need your help to make sure Texas is healthy. They have a program called the Texas Amphibian Watch. You can become an amphibian spotter. It's a great project for your family or school!

For information about the Texas Amphibian Watch, go to http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_w7000_0493.pdf

Many other states have amphibian watches, including Florida, California, and Tennessee. Please ask your parent or teacher to help you find a frog watch in your area.

You can also join the the North American Amphibian Watch. Just go to their website at http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/naamp