A Springtime Serenade
Every spring, a magical event takes place – frogs emerge from hibernation and embark on a journey to their breeding grounds. This is a time when forests and meadows are filled with the sound of frog calls, and roads are teeming with frogs hurrying towards their destination.
In Slovenia, live 13 species of frogs in total and all of them are protected. They are divided into: European fire-bellied toads, toads (common toad and green toad),Pelobates fuscus, Hylidaes, True frogs (agile frog, moor frog, common frog, lataste frog, pool frog, marsh frog, edible frog).
- Common Frogs (Rana temporaria): The smallest of our frogs, but also the most agile. They are recognizable by their brown color with dark spots.
- Edible Frog (Rana esculenta): Larger than the common frog, with a characteristic green color and yellowish spots. They are more calm and deliberate.
- Toads: The largest of our frogs, with warty skin and characteristic growths above the eyes. They are slow and proud.
- Moor Frog (Rana arvalis) During breeding, males turn completely blue. This coloring only lasts a few days. As you can see in this previous post of mine (link)
- Agile Frog (Rana dalmatina) This large, light-colored frog can leap incredible distances when disturbed. It’s known to cover up to two meters in a single bound!
Frogs usually migrate at night, in wet and warm weather. The journey to the breeding grounds can be long and full of dangers. The biggest threat is traffic, as frogs often cross roads. Many lose their lives under the wheels of cars.
Fortunately, more and more people are becoming aware of the problem of frog migration. Volunteers organize and help frogs safely cross roads. They put up protective fences and carry them across the road in buckets.
We can also contribute to the protection of frogs:
- Slow down when driving near forests and water bodies.
- Pay attention to traffic signs warning of frog migration.
- If necessary, stop and help the frogs cross the road.
- Participate in volunteer actions that help frogs.
By following these simple tips, we can protect frogs and enable them to reproduce successfully. The spring migration of frogs is an important part of the natural cycle and a valuable indicator of a healthy environment.
