On the occasion of ‘Save the Frog’ day which was observed on April 30 people in the state were encouraged to say no to consumption of frog meat, popularly known as ‘jumping chicken’ in order to maintain ecological balance, especially in the villages.
There is a huge demand for frog meat that is supplied to hotels along the tourist belt. In 1985, the central government declared a ban on the catching and killing of frogs under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
There are more than 117 species of amphibians found in the state. As the frogs step out of hibernation with the start of the monsoon season, they are in a vulnerable position and can be easily caught by human beings.
Rampant poaching and consumption have led to a shortfall in their population in the state. Frogs are not only important links in the ecological food chain but are nature’s biological pest controllers and keep a check on larval transmitted diseases in the state.
Without frogs, there will be an increase in the mosquito population which will lead to spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, chikungunya, etc.
