Frog Research in Strathroy

Measuring and collection data on Northern Leopard Frogs.

Tuesday to Friday I helped researchers from Laurentian University seek frogs for research.     They are studying two frog diseases:  Chytrid Fungus http://www.amphibianark.org/the-crisis/chytrid-fungus/  and Ranavirus (http://savethefrogs.com/chytrid/ranavirus/index.html). 



It made for long days, as we searched well past sunset with headlamps, mostly ignoring our hungry stomaches until when were able to eat at around 11pm.   The hunt started again each day at 5 or 6 am.   The sewage lagoons took on a new feel.  The stillness after sunset and the thousands of fireflies made it easy to imagine I was somewhere much more wild.


We had a hard time finding Northern Leopard Frogs outside of breeding season. We re-named them Leprechaun Frogs for their ability to act like little magicians.  One moment they are in your hand, the next they have vanished.  Multiple times both of us watched a frog get trapped under cupped hands and then disappear without any sign.


We found finding frogs on windy days next to impossible.  Maybe because they are less active, but possibly a greater factor is that movement is the main cue for finding them. They were best sought at sunrise and sunset on calm, cloudy, humid days.  Rain mades it very hard to find frog for the same reason as  wind - droplets of rain on blades of grass looks a lot like the movement of a frog. 



It was evident that frogs in this area are impacted by disease.  There were many grey or red spots over the pale bellies and legs of the animals. It is no surprise that they have a tough go.  Many times I see these frog sitting on algal blooms instead of lily pads.  IN our area they keep company with Chinese Mystery Snail, Red-eared Sliders, Phragmites and many other non-native invaders and aquarium escapees.  

This is the first year of a four year study in which researchers plan to come back to our area at least three more times.  We will have to wait on their findings.  In the mean time, I am glad that someone is looking into stressors on these wonderful little creatures. 

Thanks to Dave S. and Kim G. for passing on information on where to find frogs.  



Note:  We didn't collect or harm any frog in the process and were very careful to sterilize every piece of equipment. We also had many permits and permissions relating to this research.