FROGWATCH USA 2023

In 2023 we had 19 FrogWatchers return for the season and we successfully trained 23 new volunteers. Together this year, our chapter contributed 645 observations reported to FrogWatch USA database in all of the New England states except Vermont.

FrogWatch USA is a citizen science program which started in 1998 that has since established an expansive network of chapters across the United States. Roger Williams Park Zoo has been an active chapter since 2008. Although this program has been managed by different organizations over the years, AZA appointed Akron Zoo as the managing organization for FrogWatch USA in 2022. FrogWatch USA provides individuals and families the opportunity to learn about wetlands in their communities and contribute to science by reporting the breeding calls of local frogs and toads.

Amphibian species are disappearing at an alarming rate across the globe due to a number of factors such as habitat loss, pollution, and disease.

FrogWatch volunteers go through trainings that cover the importance of amphibians in the environment, how to monitor our local frog population to protect the species, how to tell frog species apart by their calls; and how to report findings to FrogWatch USA database on Fieldscope.

After passing a test on identifying frog calls at the end of the training, certified volunteers then commit to monitoring a local amphibian habitat approximately once a week for about 15 minutes and submitting data on what they hear.

“Amphibians act as an important indicator species for healthy environments and are a vital part of the food chain, making up the diet of many other species; some that rely on amphibians as a sole source of food. Without amphibians, insect populations could grow out of control and potentially spread disease that could threaten human populations and agriculture. The loss of the entire class of amphibians would have a catastrophic effect on the ecosystem. FrogWatch is an easy, enjoyable way for people who have an interest in amphibians and the environment to help.” Lou Perrotti, Director of Conservation Programs