The North-West University’s (NWU’s) African Amphibian Conservation Research Group in the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management celebrated annual Frog Day with a vibrant and educational event on 6 April 2024.
The team invited 70 children to be immersed in the fascinating world of frogs, guided by experts passionate about amphibian conservation.
The main objective of Frog Day was to ignite a sense of appreciation and responsibility towards frogs among children. Prof Louis Du Preez from the subject group Zoology, led the initiative and was assisted by his team of postgraduate students.
“Frogs play an important role in maintaining ecological balance, and we have to make sure that we take the necessary proactive steps for their protection,” says Prof Du Preez.
To achieve this goal, the event featured interactive learning stations tailored to capture children's imaginations. The participants were divided into groups and guided through seven stations. Each station delved into a specific aspect of frog biology and behaviour, ranging from structure to lifecycle stages, highlighting their significance in the ecosystem.
Prof Du Preez noted the enthusiasm and eagerness of the young participants as they explored topics such as the body of a frog, the eye, calling, frog jumping, how frogs eat, and their role in the environment.
To further enrich the experience, each child received a special bag containing a book on frogs, a water bottle, and promotional items from the NWU. These thoughtful gifts not only served as mementoes, but also reinforced the importance of conservation efforts in their daily lives.
Frog Day is not just a celebration, but also a crucial step towards fostering a generation of environmentally mindful individuals by instilling knowledge and empathy at a young age.
“Through events like Frog Day, the journey towards a sustainable future for frogs and their habitats continues one small leap at a time,” adds Prof Du Plessis.
Frog Day sparks curiosity and compassion for amphibians among young minds.
