Tree frog, Costa Rica

© Ondrej Prosicky/Shutterstoc

Hoppin' into National Frog Month. National Frog Month

April is National Frog Month, and let's be honest, frogs don't always get the attention they deserve. These little jumpers have been around since dinosaurs roamed the Earth, and they've evolved into some of the weirdest, coolest creatures out there. With over 4,000 known species worldwide, they come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny New Guinea Amau frog—smaller than a dime—to the large Goliath frog, which can weigh more than 3 kilograms. Some, like the glass frog, are nearly transparent, while others are extremely poisonous. The golden poison frog, for example, carries enough toxin to take down ten humans. And if you think all frogs are swamp-dwellers, meet the desert rain frog, a round little amphibian that survives in dry conditions by absorbing moisture through its skin.

This month is the perfect excuse to give them the credit they deserve. Frogs play a crucial role in ecosystems by controlling insect populations and serving as prey for many predators. However, habitat loss, pollution and disease threaten many species. Although the origin of National Frog Month is unclear, conservation groups, educators and zoos have embraced the month to emphasise the need to protect frog populations. Events often focus on habitat preservation, breeding programs and simple actions people can take, like reducing pesticide use in gardens. National Frog Month serves as a reminder that these amphibians are more than just backyard croakers—they are a vital part of the natural world.