Qualicum Beach, one of the only two places in Canada to have a day dedicated to saving frogs, will host an amphibian expert this week as part of a North American tour to bring awareness to the worldwide amphibian extinction crisis.
Dr. Kerry Kriger, the Virgina-based founder of Save the Frogs, an international team of scientists, educators and policy-makers, will discuss threats frogs face and further steps to prevent the decline of several species.

In Qualicum, an area with a distinct biologically-diverse ecosystem, groups have lobbied for years to save Hamilton Marsh, a wetland home to hundreds of wildlife species, including several frogs. Earlier this year, an American bullfrog was captured at the pond, raising concerns that some frogs and other species could be at risk by the voracious invaders.

In April, Qualicum Beach joined Vancouver as one of only two places in the country to host activities surrounding the inaugural International Save the Frogs Day. Participants were led on a tour of frog breeding grounds in area wetlands, where development has threatened some habitats.

Annette Tanner, chairwoman of the mid-Island Wilderness Committee hosting Kriger, hopes the presentation will raise awareness of frog species in the region, such as the fragility of red-legged frogs in Qualicum, and help the community build on steps to prevent population decline.

"There are so many other factors affecting our local frogs," said Tanner, who promises that Save the Frogs day will be an annual event in Qualicum.

Threats such as habitat loss, invasive species and pollution, will be addressed at the presentation. Kriger's research, which has been presented in several countries, is supported by the National Geographic Society.

The presentation will be held on Thursday at the 7 p.m. at the Qualicum Beach civic centre.
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