Frogs and Sea Eagles.

Amphibians are in a lot of trouble. Almost a third of the 5,743 known species are at risk of extinction; up to 122 have disappeared within the last 25 years. Mainly, as always, the cause is us. Habitat loss, climate change, chemical contamination, over harvesting & the introduction of invasive species has made life tough for our moisture loving buddies. There is also a nasty fungal infection, once restricted to parts of Africa that is now spreading rapidly and is lethal to many amphibians. It has now reached the UK and our frogs are dying. No one is sure how fast, but its not looking good. A recent summit of experts estimated the price of saving the world's frogs, toads and salamanders from oblivion will top $400m (£220m) over five years. There are only two places that might put up the money. The European union, who have been failing to agree their budget for a year and a half. I don’t expect adding in half a billion for frogs will hurry the process. And, the USA, whose leader has finally acknowledged that there may be such a thing as global warming but considers the cost of saving the planet for our grandchildren ‘potentially too damaging to the US economy’. ½ a billion for frogs? I think not. I start digging my wildlife pond after Christmas. But I suspect it may not be enough.

However, all is not doom and gloom. Sea Eagles were reintroduced introduced into the UK in the 60’s, having been eliminated in 1918. A breeding pair was finally established in 1983. Now there are 35 pairs and rising. Thanks to a concerted effort by mankind the sea eagles are back and thriving. What a shame we eliminated them in the first place. Lets hope we don’t make the same mistake with frogs.




Frogs...
Sea Eagles...