Wednesday, 30th March, was Frog day. A day commemorated by the conservation calendars to learn more about frogs and bring about the importance of their existence in nature.
With many people viewing frogs as menace, it helps to educate the general public of just how valuable frogs are both in their gardens and in the wild.
Why are frogs important in nature
Throughout the different stages of their lives, frogs are an integral part of the food chain as both predator and prey. As tadpoles they consume already, keeping water sources clean and later as frogs they assist with bug populations.
Frogs adapt to their environments quickly and gave adaptable body parts likewebbed feet, toe pads and camouflage colouring to assist them in nature.
Frog walk
Hamish loves frogs and currently I have 3 little river frogs living in a tank in my home that Hamish diligently and lovingly feeds every day.
Him and his best friend, Ryan, have a little nature club and it’s the cutest thing to watch Hamish as he tries to recruit each of his friends to join and start caring more for nature
So, it made complete sense that we would meet up and go on the hike.
We met at Intaka at 7.30pm. Cape Town is only dark from around 7pm, and as frogs are nocturnal we needed a dark enough time for them to be comfortable to come out.
Upon arrival we were met by our host and introduced to our guides.
Each of us issued a poster with the frogs of Western Cape printed on it, for easy identification, as well as observation trays and nets.
And so, guided by Jess, a frog hobbyist who not only has an outstanding knowledge of the frogs and reptiles that we encountered, but also posseses a passion for nature that had Hamish and his friend Ryan, eager to learn more.
It wasn’t long before they had joined her upfront of the group and helped to listen for and spot frogs.
We hadn’t gone too far before we came across the first water source and started to listen for the frogs.
Hamish and Ryan at one stage were right on the edge of the stream and I whole heartedly envisioned them both diving into the swampy water to catch a wondering platanna or two.
Both boys were enthralled and I personally loved the walk. We came across at least 3 Frog species on our walk along with many other bugs, fish and reptiles that we were able to observe and learn a little more about.
At one stage we came across a giant dragonfly, whose size and colouring I’ve honestly not seen before. We were told not to touch though.
For me personally, the highlight was the busy area we walked to and discovered full of chameleons. I absolutely adore chameleons and it was a beautiful sight to witness them in abundance and free in nature.
This was honestly, a wonderful outing, one we will look forward to doing again and I am sure everyone who attended walked away with a greater understanding and more respect for the frogs.
About Intaka Island
Intaka Island is one of my go to places to enjoy nature, stop to smell the flowers and listen to the bird call.
Intaka Island is 16km of wetland area in the heart of Century City and is an awesome bird sanctuary. I love spending time in the bird hide outs just watching the various water birds flying about or hiking on the oaths, listening to the critters around us.
There is always so much to do here from educational tours, bird watching, leisurely strolls, guided tours, boat rides and a host of other fun activities.
For more information visit Intaka Island on Facebook or Instagram
