Volunteers needed for annual frog survey
MICHIGAN (WPBN/WGTU) -- Are you willing to hike through some mud to help frogs and the Department of Natural Resources?
The Michigan DNR is looking for volunteers to help with the annual frog and toad survey.
According to the DNR, the survey helps biologists observe the abundance and distribution of frogs and toads in the state.
The DNR said frog, toad and other amphibian populations have been declining worldwide since the 1980s.
Studies suggest amphibians are disappearing because of pollution, disease, collection and habitat loss.
“We have collected a large, valuable data set to help us evaluate Michigan’s frog and toad populations,” said Lori Sargent, survey coordinator, “We’re now able to watch trends and consider how to slow down some of the species’ declines.”
Volunteers would follow permanent survey routes along 10 wetland sites.
Each site is visited three times during the spring when frogs are breeding.
The DNR said volunteers will listen for calling frogs and toads at each site, identify the species and estimate the amount.
Volunteers are needed in all parts of the state.
