What do frogs do with paper?
Rip-it!
What kind of shoes do frogs wear?
Open toad!
What does a frog say when it sees something great?
Toadly awesome!
Since ancient times, frogs have often been a source of fascination for young and old alike. They are the mysterious creatures in which fairy tales and folklore are made of. Not only do frogs serve as spellbinding, enchanting and mesmerizing subject matter in tales of old, they are very important links in the food chain as well as being important indicators of ecosystems.
Frogs are equipped with absorbent skin that can easily soak up toxic chemicals, which makes them extremely vulnerable to environmental disturbances. Therefore, frogs are given credit to indicate the health of the ecosystem they live in. Unfortunately, frog populations have been declining worldwide at an alarming rate. Frogs and other amphibian populations are faced with many challenges in today's world, which include habitat loss, pollution, climate change, infectious diseases and exotic species.
In Florida, one of the main dangers to the native frogs is their own relatives. Osteopilus septentrionalis, or the Cuban tree frog, may be causing more harm to these big-eyed natives than all other factors put together. These invaders come from the Caribbean region, specifically Cuba, Bahamas and the Cayman Islands, and are now the largest tree frog on the continent. They have a voracious appetite and have the ability to thrive most anywhere in our tropical climate. They range in size from three to five-and-a-half inches in length. These frogs are considered invasive species because they are causing a tremendous amount of harm to our natural ecosystems.
According to the University of Florida's Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Cuban tree frogs eat at least five different species of native frogs. Because of their large size, they also dine on native lizards, snakes, bird hatchlings and tadpoles. In addition to actually consuming their relatives, these frogs take up space and eat the food that the natives need to survive.
These exotic frogs breed year round and the female usually lays about 3,000 eggs in two long stings in shallow water. Once the eggs hatch, they remain in the tadpole stage for about one or two months. Once they turn into frogs, they live anywhere from five to 10 years. They vary in color from grayish-white to greenish-brown. Their toe pads are larger than other tree frogs. They have bright yellow patches hidden on the underside of the legs. Often they have an orange tint to their eyes. They have some interesting features including the skin on their heads, which is fused to the skull and does not move when rubbed. When handled, these creatures secrete a toxic fluid that can cause burning to the eyes, nose and skin.
Cuban tree frogs thrive in urban communities. They are extremely adaptable and are commonly found near or even in residences. They continue to spread with rapid speed. Some of the problems they cause humans include defecating on walls and windows, taking over birdhouses, clogging up toilets and sinks, laying eggs in fish ponds and bird baths and short-circuiting utility switches. (UFIFAS)
Cuban tree frogs are mainly nocturnal and usually sleep above ground during the day. At night, they go out foraging for food and use natural and artificial light to aid them in the hunt. They are excellent climbers and will eat anything and everything they can get into their large mouths. They can survive most anywhere including brackish water and have been known to set up colonies on islands. They hitchhike to new locations via shipments of plants, vegetables, packaging, boats and any type of motorized vehicles.
Frog facts:
- When a frog swallows food, its bulging eyes close and sinks into its head. The eyeballs apply pressure and push the frog's meal down its throat.
- Humans get warts from human viruses, not from frogs and toads.
- Frogs usually have smooth skin and toads have rougher skin.
- A group of frogs is called an army; a group of toads is called a knot.
- Most frogs require suitable habitat in both terrestrial and aquatic environments.
- Tadpoles keep waterways clean by feeding on algae. Adult frogs eat large quantities of insects, including disease vectors that can transmit fatal illnesses to humans.
- Frogs produce a wide array of skin secretions, many of which have significant potential to improve human health through their use as pharmaceuticals.
- Many Australian aborigine and Native American groups believed that frogs brought rain.
- In Japan, frogs symbolize good luck.
Friday, January 11, 2013 - www.newssun.com/011313-watershed