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Frogs and Toads Singing in the Rain
by Biol. Oscar S. Aranda Mena |
 UnnoticedSince their habits are nocturnal, most people are unaware of their presence. Not until the rains begin each year, after they have spent long months hiding in hopes of this vital fluid. Their skin is permeable and does not allow them to retain moisture within their bodies. Without the region's humidity, they would easily die from dehydration in a dryer environment. A Slave to Water Descendants of ancient fish, frogs and toads still need water to breed, and to live in during the first few weeks of their lives, breathing, through gills like fish and then losing them to develop rudimentary lungs, while retaining their delicate and sensitive skin through which they conduct most of their respiration (cutaneous respiration). Their skin allows them to survive in moist environments, but it also makes them extremely sensitive to pollutants and chemicals which they can absorb and die. That is why they are considered natural indicators of environmental quality and the presence or absence of frogs or toads in a particular environment allows us to know how contaminated it is. Frogs and Toads In general, frogs and toads can be easily be confused. Although they are closely related, the overall difference is the texture of the skin is smoother and moister in the frog and rougher and dryer in toads. And toads have a gland behind the eardrum that resembles a "cheek." Did you know that frogs and toads have been a part of Mexican folklore since ancient times; attributed magical and mysterious powers, mainly used in witchcraft and black magic.  Harmless AlliesIt is estimated that there are over 5 thousand species of frogs and toads in the world and in this region there are about 50 unique species, some of which are endemic (found only in a particular region). Within the city of Puerto Vallarta, the number is reduced to about 3 species of frogs, and 5 types of toad, who control the crawling and flying insects that abound in the rainy season. In our city there are 2 beautiful species of tree frogs; don't worry, they are not poisonous. Despite being harmless animals, most people consider them repulsive or even poisonous, like toads, because they have glands that, once disturbed, release a milky substance; irritating and toxic if swallowed. It does this to avoid being eaten by its predators. Threatened Amphibians Amphibians are the most threatened animals in the world and their populations are rapidly disappearing. Given their nature for eating insects, frogs and toads are hopelessly attracted to light, since lights attract many insects. Unfortunately, frogs and toads end up crossing streets and sidewalks where they are killed in large numbers every night. Their numbers are gradually decreasing. However, there is an even greater danger to these creatures that relates to our own daily routines. Our indiscriminate exploitation of natural resources threatens their habitat. The simple act of cutting down a tree creates a chain effect that results in the deaths of entire populations of frogs. The loss of shade dries the soil, making it warmer than usual and eliminating any possibility for amphibious life. These creatures, with their exceptionally special role in nature and their complex forms of life, face a very grave future. Thanks to their excellent ability to go unnoticed, they have survived the dangers of the city, earning the right to live in our gardens without being disturbed. Just remember that by tolerating the presence of this ugly, disgusting or repulsive creature, you will avoid thousands of annoying insects from entering your home. |
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