Introduction
Did you know that frogs and other amphibians are the most rapidly disappearing group of vertebrates on Earth? In this enlightening interview on Arden Moore’s Four Legged Life Show, SAVE THE FROGS! Founder Dr. Kerry Kriger shares fascinating insights about these remarkable creatures and why their survival is crucial for our planet. Here is the interview video:
This engaging conversation with Dr. Kerry Kriger reveals why frogs deserve our attention and protection. From their crucial role in ecosystems to their remarkable biological adaptations, amphibians are far more fascinating – and important – than most people realize. Recorded live from Kalaburgi, India on April 1st, 2025.
The Hidden Amphibian Crisis
Dr. Kriger, who has dedicated over 20 years to amphibian biology and conservation, reveals a sobering truth: diseases like chytridiomycosis (caused by a chytrid fungus) have already driven approximately 100 amphibian species to complete extinction. This highly contagious fungal disease affects frogs’ skin and spreads rapidly, especially during breeding season when frogs congregate.
“Worldwide, frogs and other amphibians are the most rapidly disappearing group of vertebrates,” Dr. Kriger explains. This crisis prompted him to establish SAVE THE FROGS! – now an international organization with events in over 100 countries and supporters worldwide.
Amazing Frog Facts That Will Surprise You
The interview is packed with incredible amphibian trivia:
- Super Jumpers: Some frogs can leap 28 times their body length
- No Drinking Required: Frogs don’t drink water – they absorb it through their permeable skin
- Eye-Assisted Eating: When swallowing, frogs pull their eyes down to help push food down their throat
- Colorful Communication: Bright colors often warn predators about poison, while earth tones provide camouflage
- Lungless Species: Some amphibians have no lungs and breathe entirely through their skin
- Global Presence: Frogs live on every continent except Antarctica
The Importance of Frog Calls
Dr. Kriger explains that the familiar frog sounds we hear are “advertisement calls” – serving dual purposes as both mating calls and territorial warnings. Each species has its own unique call, which researchers use to identify different frog populations in the wild.
How You Can Help Save Amphibians
SAVE THE FROGS! offers multiple ways for people to get involved:
- Education First: Explore savethefrogs.com to access over 1,000 pages of amphibian information
- Take Online Courses: SAVE THE FROGS! Academy offers free 28-day access to conservation courses
- Reduce Your Footprint: Practice the three Rs – reduce, reuse, recycle
- Volunteer: Check savethefrogs.com/volunteers for opportunities
- Donate or Fundraise: Even creative approaches work – one supporter collected over $1,000 in found change while cleaning up her community
- Participate in Save The Frogs Day: Join the annual celebration on April 28th
A Mission-Driven Organization
What started as pure environmental education has grown into comprehensive conservation work including habitat restoration, wetland building, and legislative advocacy. Dr. Kriger emphasizes that education remains at the heart of their mission because “we need educated people if we want to get stuff done.”
Currently in India working with SAVE THE FROGS! India and organizing events at major zoos and educational institutions, Dr. Kriger continues to expand the organization’s global reach. His passion for amphibian conservation stems from recognizing that 20 years ago, few people were interested in these traditionally neglected animals.
Learn more about SAVE THE FROGS! throughout savethefrogs.com and discover how you can join the global effort to protect these incredible creatures.
For more inspiring interviews with conservation experts and animal advocates, subscribe to Four Legged Life and visit ardenmoore.com.
