Nature's Archive #48: Dr. Kerry Kriger Saves the Frogs!
Did you know that as a group, amphibians are the most threatened vertebrates on Earth? As many as 1/3 are considered threatened.
As a result of this, my guest, Dr. Kerry Kriger, has devoted his education and career to amphibian research and protection. Dr. Kriger has a PhD in Environmental Science from Griffith University, and in 2008 founded of Save The Frogs! - the first global organization devoted to protecting amphibian populations.
As is often the case, we covered a lot of ground in today's discussion! We start with Dr. Kriger's research into the devastating Chytrid fungus and its impact on amphibians. Dr. Kriger points out that Chytridial mycosis is the worst disease in history in terms of biodiversity loss.
We take a few steps back and discuss amphibian diversity and lifecycles, the impact of hydro-periods ranging from permanent water to seasonal pools, frog dispersal and mobility, vocalizations, and more. And did you know that frogs are called gape-limited predators? Meaning, if it fits in their mouth, it's fair game. I just love that concept and term!
Dr. Kriger also discusses other treats to amphibians, including habitat loss, climate change, and the challenges with American Bullfrog importation and their spreading to non-native locations. For example, American Bullfrogs are not native to the American West, and have had a huge impact on western amphibian populations.
Dr. Kriger fills us in on a huge variety of projects, outreach, tours, and more that Save The Frogs! offers. If you want to create habitat, go on an ecotour, or simply get inspired by amphibians, check out savethefrogs.com. Dr. Kriger has personally developed many educational resources as well, and offers 28 days of free access to his deep-dive content in the Frog Academy.
You can also find Save the Frogs on instagram, facebook, twitter, youtube, Pinterest, and more!
FULL SHOW NOTES
People, Organizations, and More
Save the Frogs Day: April 28, 2023. It's an annual event!
Save the Frogs! Academy - get 28 days free access
Books and Resources
Frogs: The Thin Green Line - documentary from PBS Nature
Cosmos - by Carl Sagan. A Classic.
Desert Solitaire: A Season in the Wilderness - by Edward Abbey
On the Origin of Species - by Charles Darwin
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Music: Spellbound by Brian Holtz Music
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Artist site: https://brianholtzmusic.com
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Check past Nature's Archive episodes for amazing guests like Doug Tallamy, Elaine Ingham, and Rae Wynn-Grant, covering topics from bird migration to fungi to frogs and bats!