Introduction
The erroneously named and non-existent “International Day of Amphibian Conservation” – also sometimes referred to as “World Amphibians Day” – is actually a misnomer (a wrong or inaccurate name) for Save The Frogs Day, the world’s first annually celebrated amphibian conservation event.
Since its inception in 2009, Save The Frogs Day has been held on either April 28th or the last Saturday of April, with over 2,000 educational events in more than 60 countries. This globally recognized event has received widespread official recognition from government leaders in numerous states, cities, and counties worldwide.
This article aims to clarify the origins and significance of Save The Frogs Day, highlighting the importance of using its correct name to prevent misinformation and strengthen global amphibian conservation efforts. By always using “Save The Frogs Day” or the correct foreign language translations we ensure that everyone can find and actively participate in these vital events.
Official recognition of Save The Frogs Day by Virginia Governor Tim Kaine in 2009. See more proclamations here.
Incorrect Naming and Clarifications
A comprehensive review of search engine results, conservation databases, and email correspondences reveals that the so-called “International Day of Amphibian Conservation” (also known as World Amphibians Day) does not have an independent history or official recognition distinct from Save The Frogs Day. This term is more appropriately described as a mislabeling of Save The Frogs Day, rather than a distinct international event. It is akin to referring to Halloween as “Pumpkin Day” or Thanksgiving as “American Turkey Day.”
There are no records of any events held under this name prior to 2024, which further supports the conclusion that the numerous mentions of International Day of Amphibian Conservation in late April 2024 are merely erroneous references to Save The Frogs Day (which has consistently taken place during the last week of April every year since its inception in 2009).
This thread on Perplexity (an AI-powered search engine that provides answers with citations from its extensive access to a vast number of webpages) clearly demonstrates that there is no record of an ‘International Day of Amphibian Conservation’ being celebrated annually before 2024. The only events mentioned that align closely with these dates are Save The Frogs Day and World Frog Day (observed annually on March 20th), suggesting that any references to an international day of amphibian conservation at the end of April are likely erroneous and simply a misdescription of the well-established Save The Frogs Day.
SAVE THE FROGS! Founder Dr. Kerry Kriger’s Facebook post from April 7th, 2009 announcing Virginia Governor Tim Kaine‘s official proclamation of Save The Frogs Day.
The Origin And Impact Of Save The Frogs Day
Officially launched in 2009 by the conservation organization SAVE THE FROGS!, Save The Frogs Day is celebrated April 28th every year (though for a number of years it was celebrated the last Saturday of April, to allow working professionals to more easily take part outside of standard office hours). The inaugural Save The Frogs Day took place April 28th, 2009 and saw 40 educational events take place in 15 countries.
The success of that day led SAVE THE FROGS! Founder Dr. Kerry Kriger (who conceived Save The Frogs Day) to continue it each year, eventually creating a Save The Frogs Day grants program that has provided over $58,570 in event funding to amphibian conservationists in 20 countries (Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Congo (DRC), Estonia, France, Ghana, India, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Tanzania, USA).
Created to educate students, teachers and politicians and to elevate awareness of the pressing issues facing amphibians, (such as habitat destruction and pollution), Save The Frogs Day has mobilized a global network of volunteers and organizations advocating for amphibian survival. Save The Frogs Day has catalyzed crucial conservation efforts, including educational seminars, habitat cleanups, wetland creation, tree plantings, awareness parades in major urban centers and public demonstrations at the steps of government agencies. These initiatives educate people about the ecological importance of frogs and other amphibians and promote urgent conservation actions to protect these amphibian species and their habitats.
Save The Frogs Day has been officially recognized by the governors and state legislatures of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, as well as the Mayors of Washington DC, Vancouver, Santa Cruz, and Tampa, among other frog-friendly politicians. Save The Frogs Day was featured on CNN worldwide television in 2011 and on the front page of Le Monde (the largest paper in France) in 2012.
Save The Frogs Day has received international recognition in numerous magazines, newspapers and television news stories.
The Importance of Accurate Terminology
Using incorrect terms like “International Day of Amphibian Conservation”, “World Amphibians Day”, undermines efforts to unify and empower the global conservation community. Such errors lead to confusion, preventing access to valuable resources and information provided on the official Save The Frogs Day webpage, including how to organize, promote, communicate and fundraise for one’s Save The Frogs Day events. Furthermore, incorrect naming accelerates the spread of misinformation, as each erroneous mention or post propagates further misunderstanding, diluting the impact of long-established and well-organized conservation efforts.
Moreover, failing to use the correct event name often leads to a failure to properly reference, mention, acknowledge, or link to SAVE THE FROGS!, the organization deserving of credit. Many amphibian enthusiasts and potential supporters miss the opportunity to connect with SAVE THE FROGS! because they are not aware of the organization’s involvement or existence, simply due to the incorrect use of the event’s name. Ensuring that communications use the correct and official name is crucial, not just for the sake of accuracy but also for maintaining the integrity of our conservation efforts and ensuring that the public receives reliable information and knows how to engage further with SAVE THE FROGS!.
We appreciate your interest in amphibian conservation and scientific and historical accuracy!
Conclusion
It is crucial for both the scientific community and the general public to recognize and refer to Save The Frogs Day by its correct name to maintain the continuity and effectiveness of this international day. We encourage everyone interested in amphibian conservation to participate in the upcoming Save The Frogs Day events and to spread the word using precise terminology.
We invite your insights on the incorrect use of “International Day of Amphibian Conservation” for what is actually Save The Frogs Day. If you have comments, corrections, or pertinent information that can help us address this naming error and promote the accurate representation of our annual conservation event, please reach out. Contact us and help ensure that communications reflect the true nature of our efforts and those of like-minded organizations, and foster the maximum amount of informed participation.
Save The Frogs Day 2010 in Brisbane, Australia with Bek Diete and volunteers from University of Queensland.
Additional Resources
For more details on the history of Save The Frogs Day, please visit: Save The Frogs Day History.
Learn how you can organize a successful Save The Frogs Day.
Visit our Help Promote Save The Frogs Day and Save The Frogs Day Communications Guide for lots of resources and ideas about how to most effectively inform your network about Save The Frogs Day events.
By ensuring a well-informed community, we continue to make significant strides in amphibian conservation. Together we can SAVE THE FROGS! 🐸
Feel free to share this image to help spread the word about Save The Frogs Day!
Research Regarding Annually Celebrated Amphibian Education & Conservation Events
Below are the results of our research on Perplexity (an AI-powered search engine that provides answers with citations from its extensive access to a vast number of webpages).
Q: What is the oldest record online of an annually celebrated day called the international day of amphibian conservation or el día de conservación de los anfibios, excluding Save The Frogs Day and World Frog Day? Only provide answers based on webpages built prior to 2024
A: Based on the search results provided, there is no evidence of an annually celebrated “international day of amphibian conservation” or “el día de conservación de los anfibios” prior to 2024. The search results do not mention any such annual celebration. The closest related event mentioned is “Save The Frogs Day” and “World Frog Day”.
Q: Given that the references to international day of amphibian conservation are all at the end of April, and that Save The Frogs Day has historically taken place either on April 28th or the last Saturday of April since its conception in 2009, what is the probability that international day of amphibian conservation is actually an erroneous name that is truly just a description Save The Frogs Day?
A: Based on the search results provided, there is no evidence of an “international day of amphibian conservation” or “el día de conservación de los anfibios” being celebrated annually prior to 2024. The closest related event mentioned is “Save The Frogs Day”, which has been celebrated on April 28th or the last Saturday of April since 2009.
SAVE THE FROGS! Volunteers Arif Naqvi and Waseem Ahmed representing with their SAVE THE FROGS! Flag in Pakistan at PMAS Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Save The Frogs Day 2025.
Fact Check related to the IUCN and annually observed amphibian conservation celebrations
A Costa Rican amphibian photographer with a sizable Instagram following posted about an International Day of Amphibians on April 28th, 2024, unaware that the day he was referring to is actually Save The Frogs Day. He then told us that the IUCN had declared the day he was writing about. This is demonstrably false though, as can be easily determine by a Google search or by visiting the IUCN’s website, and as is clearly shown in this thread on Perplexity AI:
Q: Has the IUCN ever declared any annual day related to amphibian conservation?
A: Based on the search results provided, the IUCN has not declared any annual day specifically related to amphibian conservation. The search results focus on the IUCN’s efforts to address the global amphibian extinction crisis, such as the Amphibian Conservation Action Plan and the work of the IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, but do not mention the establishment of an annual amphibian conservation day.
The search results indicate that amphibians are the most threatened vertebrate class, with 41% of species threatened with extinction according to the IUCN Red List. The IUCN and its partners have been working to raise awareness and implement conservation actions to address the amphibian extinction crisis. However, the search results do not provide any information about the IUCN declaring a specific annual day dedicated to amphibian conservation.
Conclusion: the IUCN never declared any amphibian day and any site that claims it has is spreading false information.
Chinese frog art by Yufeng-Deng, 2020 SAVE THE FROGS! Art Contest
