Spring has sprung and the rains have come! It is a great time of year to be a frog in Alabama.
Alabama’s 33 frog and toad species form an integral part of the state’s ecosytems, and they provide the soundtrack to our spring and summer nights. Come and learn about these amazing creatures and find out how you can have a hand in their conservation.
The AUMNH is seeking volunteers for its chapter of FrogWatch USA, an amphibian monitoring program sponsored by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Alabama is home to a great diversity of frogs and toads with over 30 species in the state. However, as is the case in many amphibian rich places worldwide, we are seeing declines in some of our amphibian populations. FrogWatch USA gives citizens the opportunity to be directly involved in gathering information that can lead to practical and workable ways to stop amphibian decline. The program relies on volunteers to collect and report information about wetlands and frog and toad populations in their area. YOU can help our frogs!
Join the AUMNH FrogWatch chapter and attend a volunteer training session to find out which frogs and toads live in our area and when each can be heard calling. Learn to identify species by call, locate and register a wetland site, and collect and submit observations to the nationwide dataset.
You do not have to be a frog or toad expert. You need only an interest in frogs and toads, a willingness to learn their calls, and a small time investment to collect data. This program is free and open to individuals or families that are interested in learning more about local frogs, toads and wetlands.
Volunteer training sessions will be held in Auburn on Thursday, April 14th, in Jacksonville on Saturday, April 16th and in Millbrook on Saturday April 23rd. For more information, visit the AUMNH FrogWatch Chapter or contact David Laurencio.