OF late, there has been much publicity on the consumption of frogs. Much has been said about their medicinal value and the rejuvenating effects they have on humans, which remain mere presumptions as none has been scientifically proven.

The consumption of these amphibians has been going on for many years and Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) has raised several concerns as to whether humans pose a threat to the frog population.

While commercial breeding is carried out to supply restaurants, many wild frogs are caught in padi fields, swamps and hilly areas, either for home consumption or for sale at markets.

It remains to be seen whether there is a severe decimation of the frog population due to increase in demand for human consumption, as no known survey or inventory has been conducted by the authorities.

Apart from human consumption, other factors causing its decline are habitat destruction, environmental contamination, introduction of alien species, pet trade, scientific collection, diseases, fungal infections and climate change.

If left unchecked, their decline and possible extinction could have detrimental effects on the ecosystem. Frogs are insectivorous and can eat more than their own weight (about 200g) in waterborne pests every day. These insects destroy crops and carry diseases. Fewer than 50 frogs are needed to keep an acre of padi free of insects.

Frogs also play a vital role in eradicating disease-carrying insects. Therefore, a reduction in the frog population will cause an increase in the spread of malaria, encephalitis and other insect-borne diseases. It is known that insects increase dramatically where frogs are vanishing.

On the other hand, frogs play a major role in the food chain as they are an important source of food for snakes, bats, rats, birds, fish and turtles.

There is an urgent need to protect existing frog populations through the restoration of habitats which have been lost or degraded.

Steps should be taken to restore reclaimed wetlands that have been drained or filled to support frog populations. There must be control over the use of ponds, lakes, streams, swamps and marshes. Land developers should avoid filling ponds and marshes.

The habitats of frogs are vulnerable to contamination by run-off from farmland, residential yards and industrial sites. There should be restraint in the use of fertilisers and pesticides in areas vulnerable to water contamination.

There is also a need to classify frogs and amphibians under the Protection of Wildlife Act to ensure their continued survival.

S.M. MOHD IDRIS for Sahabat Alam Malaysia

Source: NST – July 31, 2008