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Frogwatch 2000
In the Spring of 2000, groups walked out to various spots on the trail site for our first annual frogwatch. Unfortunately, they were less than successful in hearing any frogs on the nights they went out, but frogs were very much in evidence at various times later in the season.
Scientists have recently noticed an alarming drop in amphibian and reptile
populations worldwide. Each spring, volunteers of all ages monitor the amorous
calls of frog and toad species in their local areas.
This information is combined with that of other regions to
create a database which shows the distribution of various species.
The data helps to identify changes that may be affecting the environment. Frogwatch allows everyone to participate in discovering how and why our natural environment is changing. Recommendations can help the government to improve our environment. (The Canadian Nature Federation site has more about Frogwatch.)
Similar programs exist all over Canada, the U.S. and elsewhere, such as Northern Australia, and Ireland.
There are only 13 different species of frogs and toads found in Ontario, and one of them hasn't been seen for over 10 years. The Toronto Zoo has posted pages on the Amphibians of Ontario with pictures, descriptions, and sounds of each one. Report your findings on the Frogwatch Ontario site.