Here’s a step by step guide to determining the correct species of amphibian you have found:
Observe the physical characteristics of the frog, such as its size, color, and pattern. Take note of any unique features that stand out.
Look at the frog’s habitat. Different species of frogs can be found in different habitats, so knowing where the frog was found can help narrow down the possibilities.
Consider the geographical location of the frog, as all amphibian species are restricted to a geographical range (unless they are introduced elsewhere).
Listen to and record the frog’s call. Each species of frog has a unique call, and this can be a helpful identifier. If you are lucky, there may be a website or CD (remember those?) that features a compilation of frog calls for your part of the world.
Take a close-up photo of the frog. This can be used to compare with photos in field guides or online resources. As the frog may jump away as you approach, take a photo from any distance to begin with, just in case it leaps out of sight. Having photos from different angles will help in determining the species.
Use a field guide or online resource to compare the frog’s physical characteristics, geographical location, habitat, and call to known species of frogs. You can usually find a good website by doing a search for amphibians or frogs and toads of your state.
Find a dichotomous key for frogs of your region. These are often available in scientific publications and quality field guides, and can guide you through the identification via choices such as IF the toes have webbing, then it could be Species X or Y; if the toes lack webbing, it could be Species Z.
Consult with an expert or experienced frog enthusiast if you are still unsure of the species. They may have additional knowledge or resources to help with identification. You can post a quality photo and all relevant information in the #amphibians channel of the SAVE THE FROGS! Discord Community or in the SAVE THE FROGS! Facebook Group for assistance. The more information you provide, and the better your photo or call recording, the higher the likelihood that you will get a correct ID.
Keep in mind that some species of frogs can look very similar, so it may be difficult to determine the exact species without DNA testing. However, with careful observation and research, you can usually make an educated guess as to the species of frog you found. Good luck with your frog identification!
“Dear Kerry, I hope you are doing very well. I’m delighted to read your email and see how the foundation is attentive to its members and their interaction with the organization. I have been closely monitoring and constantly reviewing the news, illustrations, and photos you’ve posted on Facebook and Instagram, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. Recently, I read two articles on your blog about why it’s important to SAVE THE FROGS! and how to identify a frog. I was particularly impressed by them. I believe that spreading this information is highly relevant as it’s crucial to explain to people of all backgrounds the importance of this group of animals and how we can contribute to their conservation. – Sincerely, Juan Gerardo Bravo Casas.
