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Youngsters Learn About Frogs, Toads And The Sounds They Make

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Joyce McKenzie / Tampa Tribune

Published: September 7, 2007

Special Section: Listen to the sounds of the frogs

THONOTOSASSA - "Ribbit! Ribbit!"

Nature lovers often equate that expression to the croak of a male frog in search of a mate.

But frog experts such as Steven Johnson, an associate professor who teaches wildlife classes at the University of Florida's Plant City campus, say that description of a mating call is far from reality.

Johnson, a native Floridian with a doctorate in wildlife biology, presented the facts during the Hillsborough County River Watershed Alliance's Frog Listening Network field trip at Flatwoods Park on Aug. 31, an event hosted by the Tampa Audubon Society.

In a 30-minute slide show, he pointed out the variety of frog-mating calls from among the more than 30 frog and toad species native to Florida.

The sounds used by frogs and toads — classified as amphibians because they can live in the water and on land — range from the bullfrog's familiar "jug-a-rum" to other species whose voices resemble dogs barking, pigs squeaking, an old man snoring, birds peeping and even ducks quacking.

Other mating calls are reminiscent of a person running his fingers across a comb, the clicking together of metal marbles, the twang of a banjo, water trickling from a faucet, the sound of a creaking door and the noise of bubble gum popping.

"Because there are so many different kinds of frogs, each species has its own distinct call in order to attract the right mate of the same species," Johnson said. "During the rainy season, like right now, you'll hear lots of noisy serenades from these amorous amphibians."

Frogs, he added, eat insects, including mosquitoes, but often don't get the credit they deserve for being good neighbors. They are a source of food for a variety of animals, including fish that eat tadpoles and owls and hawks that eat large frogs.

Johnson reached into a plastic container on a nearby table and grabbed a huge toad that captured everyone's attention in an audience of about 75 attendees of all ages.

"This is the marine toad, and it's lethal to dogs and cats; you definitely need to get rid of this if you have animals," he said, noting the species excretes a poisonous toxin. "You also want to keep them away from your pet's food dish."

Johnson also pointed out that frogs' life cycles can take them from the wetlands to upland areas, and in the process they act as barometers of the environment.

Frogs whose habitats are in Hillsborough County, said the professor, often act as gauges of its ecosystem. If the frog population decreases, as it has in many parts of the world, it typically indicates a change in the environment.

He invited the guests to break up into two groups to get a firsthand lesson in deciphering the individual frog voices among the chorus of frogs' songs that filled the night air.

With flashlights in hand and some with illuminated helmets, Cub Scout Pack 801 boys followed behind Flatwoods Park Ranger Paul Dubois as they headed off down a trail toward the surrounding wetlands.

Although Dubois gave instructions to remain as quiet as possible, "Oohs" and "Aahs" were commonplace among the Scouts' whispered reactions as they took note of the myriad sounds surrounding them.

The youngsters were searching for anything that moved beneath their feet. Suddenly, 9-year-old Ryan Spence pulled his hand from the marsh with the thrill of the night.

"Hey, it's a leopard frog," he said, as his pack mates shined their flashlights on the large squirming subject of the moment.

Pack leader and Ryan's mother, Mary Spence of Hunter's Green, said her son has absolutely no fear of frogs.

"He's had them as pets," she said.

Charlie Gross, also from Hunter's Green, was on hand to accompany the Scouts.

"I think by just looking at these kids you can see how excited they are to be here," he said. "It's stuff like this they love."

Sunhiel Ptak also attended the event, with her 9-year-old son Jonathan. "This is a great experience for all of us," she said. "It's very educational."

Tampa Audubon Society member and field trip Chairwoman Jo Anne Hartzler was pleased with the evening's turnout.

"The frog field trip is one of my favorite field trips to lead, since it creates enthusiasm in young people and adults alike about protecting our native wildlife — in this case frogs and toads, creatures we can all relate to," she said.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849 or jmckenzie@tampatrib.com.

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