Introduction
Organizing a successful SAVE THE FROGS! Ecotour requires passion, expertise, and a commitment to conservation and customer service. These guidelines are designed to help SAVE THE FROGS! ecotour leaders and guides create an engaging, safe, and enjoyable experience for participants while promoting amphibian awareness and conservation.
Qualities of a Successful Ecotour Leader
• In excellent physical shape
• Plenty of travel experience
• Knowledge of amphibians and ecology
• Familiarity with SAVE THE FROGS! history, programs, and culture
• Knowledge of the local culture in their ecotour destination
• Ability to speak English
• Ability to speak the local language in their ecotour destination
• Ability to communicate with, lead, and get along with ecotourists
• Wilderness medicine knowledge
• Ability to set an example as an exemplary ecotourist so that participants absorb your good habits
Customer Service / Keep Ecotourists Happy
• When possible, put the ecotourists’ happiness and needs ahead of your own
• When you find wildlife, let tour participants photograph it before you do
• Mingle, connect with someone you haven’t yet connected with, and engage with the least social person
Safety
• Start the tour with a safety discussion and recap of the SAVE THE FROGS! Ecotours Code of Conduct
• Take head counts to ensure nobody gets left behind
• Know the phone numbers of emergency medical services
• Be up to date on your Wilderness First Aid & CPR
• Travel with a first aid kit
Wildlife Ethics
• Start the tour with a discussion about animal handling, as detailed in the SAVE THE FROGS! Ecotourist Code of Conduct and How To Catch And Hold A Frog.
• If handling amphibians, prepare with plastic bags and/or gloves, or limit handling to one amphibian to avoid spreading disease
Tour Leader – Expectations
• Ensure the tour runs according to the itinerary, coordinating with relevant people (guides, lodges, restaurants, drivers)
• Adapt plans as needed to ensure participant safety and happiness
• Be the example of the rules, even if you might do otherwise while not on an ecotour
• Listen to and respond courteously to participant suggestions and grievances
• Report regularly (daily if possible) with updates to SAVE THE FROGS! Ecotour Coordinator and/or Executive Director
• Report any significant problems immediately, such as injuries, illness, vehicle issues, or complaints
• Always have a printed itinerary with key info (lodging and bus driver contacts, room arrangements), or save it offline.
Amphibian Guide – Expectations
• Provide amphibian expertise and lead educational activities
• Allow ecotourists to take photos before you do or be quick with your photography
• Abide by the same standards given to ecotourists, including animal handling and ethical considerations
• Avoid causing pain or discomfort to animals (see How To Catch And Hold A Frog)
• Lead hikes and wildlife outings, ensuring all participants adhere to the Code of Conduct and make it back safely
• Support the Tour Leader and assume their responsibilities if they are unavailable
• Create an Amphibians List of species sighted, ideally in a spreadsheet or Airtable with these columns:
– Family, Genus, Species, Site, Date (approximate)
– Make one row per species found at each site
Assist With Promotion Of Future Ecotours
Not mandatory unless in your job contract, but appreciated:
• Write an article about the ecotour, while the experience is fresh
• Interview an excited ecotourist and share it with the Ecotour Coordinator
• Post trip photos on social media and tag www.savethefrogs.com/ecotours and/or @savethefrogs
Tips
SAVE THE FROGS! has a no-tipping policy for staff, meaning staff should neither give nor accept tips. However, participants are welcome to tip third-parties as they wish.
