World Frog Day: Let them hop, give them hope

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The spring awakens numerous hibernating creatures. Among them are those with small bodies but loud croaks: the frog.

World Frog Day is celebrated on March 20 every year. It aims at raising awareness of the declining population of frogs and other amphibians, spreading knowledge about them and promoting environmental improvement for their protection.

China's endemic piebald odorous frog. /VCG Photo

Frogs have been the symbol of harvest in Chinese culture for centuries. Crop-eating insects make up the major part in frogs' diet. The lovely creature is thus regarded as "the protector of crops" in China.

Xin Qiji, a famous poet and general of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) once wrote in his poem "The Moon over the West River": "Immersed in the fragrant rice field, the frogs also expect a nice yield."

China's endemic black-spotted pond frog. /VCG Photo

However, their survival conditions are grim around the globe. About one-third of the world's frog species are endangered and over 120 species are believed to be extinct since the 1980s.

Major threats to frogs include fatal fungal disease, habitat destruction, pesticide use and other pollution. As their skin is very sensitive to toxic chemicals, household chemicals are believed to be a severe threat to frogs as well.

A frog is sitting on a lotus leaf. /VCG Photo

Some endangered frog species are under national protection in China, and are being protected in nature reserves across the country.

Trafficking and illegal pollutant discharging are strictly prohibited to ensure frogs' habitat and survival.

Let frogs hop freely in a safe environment, and give them hope that they are irreplaceable on this planet.

(Cover photo: Chinese gliding frog. /VCG Photo. Image designed by CGTN's Yin Yating.)

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com)