BY ARTI DAS | NT NETWORK
The essence of individualistic lifestyle has made us forgot that we are actually part of an ecosystem and interconnected with all the living beings on this globe. But, the fact is-our ancestors understood it well. An example of such understanding can be seen through our culture and traditions where respect is shown to all living beings.
The frog is one such specie that has very strong references in our culture. Elaborating more on this issue and also on its ecological importance was the talk ‘Celebrating Frogs’ delivered by Ecologist Nirmal Kulkarni at the Earthworm eco store, Porvorim, recently.
He mentioned that the reference of frogs in our temples, folk songs, art (by way of pottery) is all an indication of how man valued and respected creatures like the frogs.
There was an audio presentation of the Konkani folk songs by Tukaram Shet. He said, “These songs show us how much frogs were part of our lives. Through these songs humans converse with frogs. It speaks volumes about this co-existence.”
Nirmal then further went on to inform the gathering about the scientific importance of frogs. He said that they are one of the most evolved species. “Frogs are found in various places like forests, fields and even in our backyards. Some of the frogs which are found in our homes have excellent homing skills. It means that even if you remove them from that space, you will find them again in the same place,” he said.
Some of the frog species are endemic to the Western Ghats like the Fungoid frog. “These frogs are called ‘Bepki’ in Konkani and the interesting part is that they are found only in the Western Ghats. People from all over the world visit these places in order to see these species”, explained Mr Kulkarni.
According to the study by IUCN around 63 per cent amphibians that includes, frogs, toads and cecilians are endemic to India. Mr Kulkarni also brought out the fact that the research and documentation of amphibians is just emerging now and there are new discoveries made regularly.
However, now the existence of these frogs is under threat due to the destruction of their habitat and poaching which is rampant during monsoons in Goa.
“Nowadays we don’t find many frogs in fields due to the execution of modern agriculture methods which makes use of pesticides that are harmful to frogs. Also one of the key species of frogs—the Indian Bull frog is being poached in Goa and is known as ‘jumping chicken.’ It is an illegal activity under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. They are now being protected due to the efforts of one Mr Humayun Abdul Ali of BNHS (Bombay Natural Historic Society) who brought out the fact that they are an important species and thus the export of these frogs for its meat should be banned.
About Save the Frog Campaign
This talk was part of the Save the Frog Campaign that is actively involved in anti-poaching activities for the past five years in close association with the Goa Forest Department.
Clinton Vaz of WildGoa group that started this initiative mentions that due to this drive there are some positive outputs as now people are aware about this issue.
“This year around 10 people were detained for poaching frogs but there is no conviction till date. Also we have seen that these frogs are poached in rural areas but are consumed in urban areas in some hotels. We need to target such places where they serve ‘jumping chicken’ states Mr Vaz.
He said that people indulge in such activities because frog meat cost a lot and thus it is a means to make some easy money in the monsoons.
He appealed to the people to inform the volunteers of Wild Goa or the Forest Department about any person catching frogs or any hotel serving frog meat in order to save these jumping wonders.
To highlight this campaign more prominently Nirmal Kulkarni has announced a photography competition titled ‘Click a Croak.’ The theme of it is frogs and will be on for more than a month.
The details are available at Earthworm eco store, Porvorim.
