Thoughts and Observations for the MARA Project from Mrs. Campbell's Class from Calvert Middle School

From Emma D.

Find  the hidden frog!

Frogs are very important to humans and the environment. For the environment amphibians filter water. Also they control the population of diseased animals. For example, turtles eat diseased frogs so that no other frogs get the disease. The frogs produce chemicals that are helpful for humans to help us combat diseases. Both amphibians and reptiles control insect and small mammal populations. Many frogs are disappearing due to human activity and environmental problems that again humans are causing. Humans hunt frogs for a food source. Pollution and destruction of habitat have driven frogs from their natural habitat. New species are taking the natives food sources. Due to pollution new diseases have had the time to reproduce more rapidly. The Chytrid fungus has been killing off many off many of the different species of frogs. Global warming has caused the rising of the earth’s temperatures and some frogs may not be accustomed to the warmer temperatures. They may ultimately die or move to find new sustainable habitats. Humans can take many actions to protect amphibians and reptiles. We can cut back on pollution. Cutting back on pollution will prevent global warming and stop the rapid reproduction of diseases and fungus. People can stop poaching frogs for food. Construction Agencies can stop cutting down trees, clearing fields, and draining wetlands for housing developments that the agencies can’t sell. Also farmers can use fewer pesticides on their fields to prevent the killing of innocent animals. I have had many interesting encounters with reptiles and amphibians. My brother and I went to a pond in a community to find different types of frogs. We were on the shore when we saw four Bull Frogs jump into the water at the same time. We kept walking when we started to hear Bull Frogs, and then we started to see them as we heard them. We kept walking and as we went on we kept seeing frogs jumping in the water ahead of us. Another time I caught a skink and my brother thought it as dead. I opened my hand and it jumped on my brother, and it almost went up his shirt and down his pants pants. He started screaming like a little girl while I watched. Amphibians and reptiles Heard/seen • American Bull Frog • Spring Peeper • Blue-Tailed Skink



Jessie M. from Bendedict SE found the Eastern Gartersnake near her basement.

Natalie C. from Prince Frederick SW made a fantastic observation of an Eastern Ratsnake on the prowl, as it hunted for young birds or eggs from this nesting box.

Eastern Ratsnake on the hunt!

Ian H. from Broome's Island CE sent in some photos of some of his observations a Fowler's Toad and an unknown lizard species.

Fowler's Toad from Broome's Island CE

Unknown lizard species from Broome's Island CE

Finally, Abby H. from Prince Frederick SW made some great recordings of Fowler's Toads making their calls from near her home.