Save The Frogs Day 2025 in Pothohar Plateau, Pakistan
SAVE THE FROGS! Grantee Ahmed Junaid organized a four-part Save The Frogs Day series of events held from April 25th–28th across Chakwal, Islamabad and Rawalpindi. These activities brought together students, researchers, conservationists and communities to raise awareness for amphibian conservation. These events were supported by a $648 Save The Frogs Day Grant.
SAVE THE FROGS! Sticker distributed at the 17th Annual Save The Frogs Day events in Pakistan. Photo by Ahmed Junaid.
Seminar Day — Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi (April 25th, 2025)
The celebrations began with a seminar at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, with participants from different institutions including the International Islamic University Islamabad, Zoological Survey of Pakistan, WWF-Pakistan, IUCN-Pakistan, and Islamabad Wildlife Management Board.
Dr. Muhammad Sajid Nadeem welcomed attendees and highlighted the department’s conservation efforts and partnership with SAVE THE FROGS!. Dr. Waseem Ahmed introduced the global mission of organization. Ahmed Junaid presented on the history and purpose of Save The Frogs Day, while Dr. Ayesha Akram spoke on the ecological role of amphibians. Keynote speaker Professor Dr. Amaël Borzée (Nanjing Forestry University, China) emphasized amphibian ecology in agricultural landscapes and the importance of public engagement. Dr. Altaf Hussain Khoro discussed national amphibian research. Professor Dr. Muhammad Hanif acknowledged the work of the Herpetology Lab. Dr. Muhammad Rais concluded the session with final remarks.
The seminar was followed by an awareness walk, group photography and refreshments. In the evening, a post-sunset field survey on campus documented Firouzophrynus stomaticus, providing young students with hands-on amphibian identification experience.
Save The Frogs Day event organizers and volunteers at the Save The Frogs Day seminar held at PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi on April 25th, 2025.
Field and Community Awareness Day — Chakwal, Islamabad & University Research Farm, Rawalpindi (April 26th, 2025)
Field and Community Awareness Day was held in Chakwal, Islamabad & Rawalpindi with aims of amphibian observation and community education. Led by amphibian experts Dr. Muhammad Rais and Professor Dr. Amaël Borzée, the team of young amphibian enthusiasts conducted field surveys and awareness sessions at University Research Farm, Koont, Rawalpindi, different villages in Chakwal and Rawal Dam, Islamabad. The team engaged in meaningful interactions with the local community, highlighting the role of frogs and amphibians in maintaining a healthy and balanced agricultural ecosystem.
The team observed the following amphibian species: Duttaphrynus bengalensis, Euphlyctis adolfi, Firouzophrynus stomaticus, Hoplobatrachus tigerinus, Microhyla nilphamariensis and Minervarya pierrei. A freshwater turtle, Lissemys punctata, was also rescued and released.
This event blended hands-on species identification, conservation education and community engagement, which provided many participants with their first close encounter with wild amphibians and inspired them for future conservation efforts.
Participants on Field and Community Awareness Day in Rawalpindi on Saturday, April 26th, 2025.
Field Day — Misriot Dam, Rawalpindi (April 27th, 2025)
A team of 10 participants, accompanied by Professor Dr. Amaël Borzée, surveyed the Misriot Dam, Rawalpindi. The team started surveying the area in the evening. Initial observations included Euphlyctis adolfi, Firouzophrynus stomaticus, Microhyla nilphamariensis and Minervarya pierrei.
A key goal during this field trip was to locate Hoplobatrachus tigerinus, Pakistan’s largest frog species, to provide hands-on training to new frog enthusiasts on species identification and field techniques. Fortunately, five individuals of Hoplobatrachus tigerinus were observed at the site. The day focused on amphibian identification and field survey protocols.
Photo of Euphlyctis adolfi sighted during the field day event, by Ahmed Junaid.
School Day — Government Girls High School Bilalabad, Chakwal (April 28th, 2025)
The fourth and final event of Save The Frogs Day was held at Government Girls High School Bilalabad. Students from different grade levels and teachers joined the seminar.
The session featured an engaging presentation on SAVE THE FROGS!, its global mission, grant opportunities and ecotours. Along with an overview of local frog species and amphibian habitats, session also addressed major threats to amphibians in Pakistan and beyond, challenging common myths and misconceptions while emphasizing the ecological significance of amphibians. Students were encouraged to share this new knowledge within their communities to promote awareness and conservation.
A frog-themed drawing activity followed, with students creating artwork of various frog species. The certificates were awarded to students and teachers. The session concluded with group photos and refreshments for students and staff. In the closing remarks, participants were encouraged to become local ambassadors for amphibian conservation.
Later in the day, a field survey was conducted in nearby agricultural areas, where observations included a Calotes versicolor, several beetle species and a Hoplobatrachus tigerinus, closing the day’s celebrations on a fitting note.
All these events inspired students, researchers and local communities. These celebrations significantly enhanced public understanding and commitment to amphibian conservation in Pakistan.
“SAVE THE FROGS! is an inspiration for me and I have learned a lot since my involvement with SAVE THE FROGS!. I am looking forward to more collaboration with this amazing organization. At end I must say: Save Frogs, Save Earth.”
– Ahmed Junaid, SAVE THE FROGS! Pakistan
School students celebrating at GGHS Bilalabad, Chakwal, Pakistan on the 17th Annual Save The Frogs Day (Monday, April 28th, 2025)
Seminar Day Photos
Enjoy these images from the seminar day in Pakistan, Save The Frogs Day 2025.
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Field & Community Awareness Day Photos
Enjoy these images from the field and community awareness day in Pakistan, Save The Frogs Day 2025.
Click on any image to see it larger or to get the slideshow view.
School Day Photos
Enjoy these images from the school day in Pakistan, Save The Frogs Day 2025.
Click on any image to see it larger or to get the slideshow view.
Save The Frogs Day Featured on the PMAS Arid Agriculture University Website
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