Curb frog poaching, urge activists
Wildlife conservationists, researchers and the State Forest Department’s Wildlife Division have upped the ante to generate awareness and improve surveillance to protect frogs in the rainy season.
Nirmal U. Kulkarni, herpetologist and expert member of the Goa State Biodiversity Board, issued an appeal on Friday on behalf of wildlife conservationists and researchers, urging people to be vigilant and report instances of frog poaching to the nearest Forest Department office or police station.
“Please bring to the notice of the Forest Department any establishment that has illegal frog meat on their menu, as this will help stop the demand for poached frogs,” Mr. Kulkarni said, referring to restaurant advertisements offering “jumping chicken” dishes during monsoon.
The State has also taken steps to prevent poaching. Goa’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Ajai Saxena, told The Hindu, “With the south west monsoons at the doorstep, we have increased our surveillance, especially in places prone to frog poaching. We issue a strict advisory warning people of stringent legal action and also book a lot of cases to send a strong signal.”
The Indian bullfrog is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act. Offenders can be fined up to ₹25,000 and imprisoned up to three years, he said.
Mr. Kulkarni said frogs and toads will rise from dormancy during the monsoon for their annual breeding cycle. Unfortunately, this will also draw out poachers, he said. “Indian bullfrogs are on the verge of local extinction,” he said.
He said the species, considered a flagship species of all Indian amphibians globally, is an important link in any pond, river, field or grassland ecosystem. Being the largest of its family, it is distinguished by its large size and tiger-like striped pattern on the body and limbs.
“The species also plays the role of a bio-pest and insect controller due to its feeding habits, and was once largely responsible for curbing the population of mosquitoes and their larvae,” said Mr. Kulkarni.
Source : http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/curb-frog-poaching-urge-activists/article24070026.ece
