By Walt
Timmerman
Published: May 16, 2003
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Spring rains bring green leaves. They also bring back the
primeval music of frogs and toads to Montana’s wetlands.
The famous Florida naturalist Archie Carr once said, “I
have always liked frogs...The music frogs make at night is
a pleasant thing, full of optimism and inner meaning. It is
more symbolic than the singing of birds.”
Male frogs are the ones making all that music. They ‘sing’
to establish a territory and to attract mates. Frogs, which
have existed on this planet for 200 million years, are uniquely
qualified to live in wetlands. They have moist, hairless skin
with no claws on their toes. Reptiles, which people often
confuse with amphibians, usually have claws.
Most frogs lead a “double life.” As adults, they
live on land, often near water, but their eggs are laid in
water, often attached to, or floating upon or near submerged
vegetation. The eggs hatch into small larvae—called
tadpoles--that continue to live in water as they change into
adults.
People often ask about the technical difference between a
toad and a frog. It’s pretty simple; a toad is a kind
of frog. The toad’s skin feels rougher than a typical
frog’s, which may allow the toad to go a little longer
without water.
Frogs belong to the amphibian order Anura. There are 11 native
species in Montana. Although Montana isn’t blessed with
great frog diversity, we do host some rather biologically
interesting species.
As one example, consider the Tailed Frog. This native northwestern
species is one of only two species of frogs in the entire
world with a specialized tail that functions as a copulatory
organ. Tailed Frogs are small creatures that live in clear,
cool mountain streams. Their tadpoles are specially adapted
to live in fast, rushing water.
Of what value are frogs and toads? Frogs are beautiful, aesthetic
works of nature and an important element of our wild environment.
Frogs are also important indicator species. If frogs disappear
from a wetland, it could mean that the quality of the water
and the general environment has been degraded. But for those
who want more practical, tangible ways they add value, here
are just a few of the many.
· Frogs make important contributions to medicine.
Various kinds of toxins taken from the skins of frogs contribute
important medicines to science.
· Insects and other arthropods can be destructive
pests. Frogs feed on billions of these creatures annually,
saving untold dollars in pest control.
· Due to their moist, permeable skins, frogs are very
good environmental indicators, often alerting us to potential
environmental hazards.
But the real value of frogs to mankind has nothing to do
with practicality. For me, frogs bring back memories of childhood
adventures and the mystery of summer nights spent in woods
and swamps. So, the next time you hear frogs calling, pause
to enjoy these fascinating creatures. You too may develop
a liking for frogs.
Reprinted from http://www.fwp.state.mt.us/news/show.aspx?id=2403
