Celebrating World Frog Day 2025
Water contamination from industrial waste, agricultural runoff and plastics is endangering frog species.
Wetlands, forests, and swamps — critical habitats for frogs — are being cleared for agriculture, urban development and infrastructure projects.
Ivan Kaddu
Journalist @New Vision
KAMPALA - Every March 20, the world comes together to celebrate World Frog Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of frogs and their conservation.
Uganda, known for its rich biodiversity, is home to over 80 species of frogs, many of which are facing increasing threats due to habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and disease.
A glimpse into Uganda’s diverse frog species
Uganda’s unique landscapes — ranging from wetlands and rainforests to montane regions — support a wide variety of frog species, including:
- Rwenzori torrent frog (Petropedetes johnstoni): Found in high-altitude streams, these frogs are vulnerable to climate change.
- Uganda reed frog (Hyperolius castaneus): A colorful species inhabiting swamps and forests.
- Puddle frogs (Phrynobatrachus spp.): Small, adaptable frogs playing a key role in controlling insect populations.
- African clawed frog (Xenopus ruwenzoriensis): An aquatic species that serves as an indicator of freshwater ecosystem health.
Uganda’s unique landscapes — ranging from wetlands and rainforests to montane regions — support a wide variety of frog species.
Some frog species are at risk due to illegal collection for the pet trade and local consumption.
Despite their ecological significance, many of these species are under threat.
What are the major threats to Uganda’s Frogs
Habitat Destruction
Wetlands, forests, and swamps — critical habitats for frogs — are being cleared for agriculture, urban development and infrastructure projects.
This is especially concerning around Kampala, Entebbe and western Uganda, where rapid deforestation is displacing amphibian populations but as reptiles and amphibian conservationists, we are happy with the recent efforts by National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) led by Dr Barirega Akankwasa for the action leadership of reclaiming wetlands that were lost to tress passers.
2. Pollution and Pesticides
Water contamination from industrial waste, agricultural runoff and plastics is endangering frog species.
Pesticides used in farming affect tadpoles and adult frogs, leading to deformities, reduced survival rates and population declines this is because the chemicals are contacted non selective therefore we call upon the Ministry of Water and Environment to give much effort in implementing policies that save these vulnerable species yet important in our ecosystem.
3. Climate Change
Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns are disrupting breeding cycles and drying up crucial breeding sites, threatening species that depend on stable aquatic environments.
4. Disease Outbreaks
The chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis), a deadly pathogen affecting amphibians worldwide, has been recorded in East Africa and could pose a serious threat to Uganda’s frogs.
5. Overexploitation and Trade
Some frog species are at risk due to illegal collection for the pet trade and local consumption. While not as widespread as in other regions, this remains a growing concern.
Herp Fauna Foundation’s Conservation Efforts
At Herp Fauna Foundation, we are committed to protecting Uganda’s amphibians through:
1. Frog habitat protection and restoration
We work with local communities to restore degraded wetlands, protect forests and advocate for sustainable land use policies. Through partnerships with conservation groups and government agencies, we aim to secure key habitats for frogs.
2. Scientific research and monitoring
Our field teams conduct amphibian population surveys to document species distribution, assess threats, and monitor trends. We collaborate with universities, conservation organizations and the IUCN Amphibian Specialist Group to enhance frog research in Uganda.
3. Community conservation education
We engage schools, farmers and local communities in awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of frogs in the ecosystem. By promoting eco-friendly farming practices and reducing pesticide use, we help communities coexist with amphibians.
4. Capacity building and training
We train conservationists, students and community members in amphibian identification, monitoring and habitat restoration to create a network of local frog conservation advocates.
5. Policy advocacy for amphibian protection
We work with policymakers to integrate amphibian conservation into Uganda’s wetland and biodiversity protection strategies. Strengthening environmental laws can help protect crucial frog habitats.
On this World Frog Day, you can contribute to the conservation of Uganda’s frogs by:
- Protecting wetlands and forests: Avoid activities that degrade natural frog habitats.
- Reducing pollution: Limit plastic waste and use eco-friendly products.
- Supporting research and conservation: Partner with or donate to organizations like Herp Fauna Foundation.
- Spreading awareness: Educate others about the importance of frogs in maintaining ecological balance.
Frogs are essential to Uganda’s biodiversity, and their decline is a warning sign of environmental degradation. As we celebrate World Frog Day 2025, conservationists, policymakers, and the public should take action to protect these incredible amphibians.
Happy World Frog Day!