0
1
The trade in frog legs for human consumption is pushing the species to the brink of extinction, according to new research by an international team including University of Adelaide researchers.
Researchers say the decline in frog populations is following in the footsteps of overfishing and a “chain reaction” of declining marine life around the world.
Researchers have called for mandatory certification of frog harvest to improve control and help develop rational harvesting strategies.
Frog legs are more than just a French delicacy, says University of Adelaide ecology professor Corey Bradshaw.
European frog. The trade in frog legs for human consumption is pushing this species to the brink of extinction. (Leo Bogert; Wikimedia Commons)
Professor Bradshaw, from the University of Adelaide’s School of Earth and Environmental Sciences and a researcher with the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), said: “Frog legs are on the menus of school canteens in Europe, market stalls and dining tables across Asia, and fine dining restaurants around the world.”
“Amphibians are the most threatened group of animals due to disease, habitat loss and climate change – their taste for legs doesn’t help matters.”
The global annual trade in frogs has increased dramatically over the past 20 years, withAt least 200 million or even over 1 billion frogs are consumed each year. Only a fraction of this figure is reflected in global trade statistics.
Indonesia is by far the largest exporter of frogs, and the domestic market is 2-7 times larger than exports.
Professor Brasdhsaw emphasized: “The global frog market has shifted from seasonal harvesting for local consumption to year-round international trade. However, frog harvesting appears to be following in the footsteps of overfishing – first collapsing in Europe and North America and then declining dramatically in India and Bangladesh.”
“The lack of data needed to monitor and manage mining is a major concern.”
The research team included researchers from Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada, the National University of Singapore and Harvard University.
G2V Star (Theo ScienceDaily)