What environmental factors are needed to trigger a nighttime amphibian migration? What is the term for amphibian hibernation? Participants of the Toad Trivia event we held at Vermont’s Stone Corral Brewery in celebration of World Frog Day learned the answers to these questions and more.

Amphibians are an especially vulnerable segment of the animal population — over one-third of amphibian species are at risk of extinction and around 200 species have already gone extinct since 1980. They face a range of threats including pollution, infectious diseases, habitat loss, the climate crisis, and harvesting for the pet and food trades.

Frogs are also an important bioindicator species because they require suitable land and aquatic habitats. They are susceptible to illnesses from pollution due to their porous skin and are affected significantly by poor water quality, runoff, and habitat loss and modification.

The Stone Corral Brewery was packed with trivia goers and frog fans who showed up for the event. Attendees learned about amphibian migration seasons and the frogs and salamanders of Vermont, and the winning team left with unique frog-themed shirts. The shirts are still available through our online store, and you can use discount code “FROGSROCK” for 25% off!

One of the most critical points of a frog’s life is migration season, which starts in early spring on the East Coast when the temperatures begin to rise above 40 degrees at night. The large migrations also occur with the first warm rains of the season. The juveniles who hatch will later migrate back out of the breeding grounds as well. Sadly, they often have to cross roads to get there, and many are killed by cars, showcasing the need for wildlife crossings.

Attendees learned ways to help reduce frog road mortalities by not driving on rainy nights when the temperatures begin to rise above 40 degrees at night, and by volunteering with local crossing programs. They went home with our informational migration season fliers as resources as well.

Supporters also joined Wild Animals Campaigner Katie Nolan for a virtual toad trivia fireside chat. If you missed it, you can re-watch the event on our YouTube channel.  Stay tuned for more updates on our amphibian campaign and for ways you can get involved, and please consider making a donation to support our work to protect wild animals!