The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is rallying the community for its annual Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey, calling on citizen scientists to tune their ears to the calls of amphibians across the state. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources initiative, an effort that dates back to 1984, leverages the passion and participation of volunteers to monitor frog and toad populations throughout the spring and summer.
These citizen "froggers," as they're affectionately termed, play a critical role in the conservation of Wisconsin's amphibian species. By documenting the distinctive calls of the region's 12 frog and toad species, volunteers provide valuable data that is instrumental in tracking distribution and population trends. In a release by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Andrew Badje, a conservation biologist and the coordinator of the Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey, emphasized the importance of these community contributions. "Our volunteers, lovingly known as ‘froggers,’ are important advocates for frogs and toads in Wisconsin," Badje said. "They are the beating heart of frog monitoring and conservation in Wisconsin. They are why this survey is the longest-running community-based frog calling survey in North America.”
The survey has not only become a tool for scientific research but also a means of fostering a deeper connection between Wisconsinites and their local ecosystems. It provides laypersons with an opportunity to engage in scientific research and contribute direct observations that help paint a broader picture of environmental health and biodiversity. Participation in the survey is open to individuals with all levels of experience, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources offers training material for those new to the survey or unfamiliar with amphibian calls.
Interested volunteers are encouraged to visit the DNR's website for more information on how to become involved with the project. The success of the survey is hinged on the broad participation of residents throughout Wisconsin, making each and every volunteer's contributions invaluable to the ongoing efforts in conserving the state's amphibian populations. With the continuous decline of amphibian species globally, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources frog and toad survey serves as a vital checkpoint in understanding and addressing the challenges these creatures face in an ever-changing landscape.
