Frog Gone!

August 2000

Here in New Zealand there is growing concern for our endemic frogs with a recent report indicating 90% of the Archey's frogs have disappeared from two areas in the Coromandel Ranges. Researchers are questioning whether there are enough frogs to sustain a viable population. New Zealand has four endemic frogs which unlike most other frogs, do not croak, hear, swim, live in water or have a life cycle which includes tadpoles.

Task.

Print this page off. Form a group off at least six people.
Elect a Chairperson, Recorder, Motivator, Reporter and Organiser.
The Chairperson makes sure everyone has a turn to speak.
The Recorder writes notes to assist the Reporter when he reports back to the whole class.
The Motivator encourages people to speak about their ideas, and keeps everyone on task.
The Organiser makes sure that everyone has the necessary materials to do the job eg. chart paper, pens etc.

Discuss the following.

What can we do to help ensure the survival of our native frogs in New Zealand? What are the problems we face in taking care of our native frog population?

Report your findings back to the whole class.

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