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By the Numbers: Frogs

April is National Frog Month. Like a canary in a coal mine, frogs are considered bio-indicators, meaning they can be used to determine the state of health of freshwater habitats. Changes in the abundance and diversity of these amphibians can be used as a measuring tool to determine environmental quality. Did you know that a group of frogs is called an Army and a group of toads is called a Knot? And what is the difference between toads and frogs? True toads are frogs with shorter legs and dry “warty” skin. Toads also tend to have toxic secretions.

 

12

The number of frog species in Wisconsin. That includes American Bullfrog, American Toad, Boreal Chorus Frog, Cope’s Gray Tree Frog, Eastern Cricket Frog, Gray Tree Frog, Green Frog, Mink Frog, Northern Leopard Frog, Pickerel Frog, Spring Peeper, Wood Frog

 

33

Length, in feet, of the longest recorded frog jump, made at a frog derby in South Africa. That is the equivalent of a 100-foot long jump by a human.

 

40

The longest lifespan recorded for a frog was 40 years for a European Common Toad. Most species live between four and 15 years.

 

120

The number of amphibian species – including frogs and salamanders – that have disappeared since 1980. Historically, one species of amphibian would disappear every 250 years. Scientists became especially troubled because population declines were even documented in wilderness areas, with little or no human disturbance. They believe a number of factors are responsible, including loss of important habitat, increasing ultraviolet radiation from the thinning of the ozone layer, chemical pollution, introduction of non-native competitors and predators, pathogens and parasites.

 

1,000

The number of people who could be killed with the skin of one poisonous Golden Dart Frog.

 

6,482

Number of frog and toad species worldwide.

 

 

Number of years frogs have been on the planet. The earliest known frog is from the late Jurassic period.

 

Sources: Defenders of Wildlife, savethefrogs.com, livescience.com

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