While it’s difficult to identify the frog species featured in the July Photo of the Month, there’s a good chance it is one of these frogs commonly found in Ontario: Green Frog, Northern Leopard Frog or Mink Frog.

With dark crossbands on its legs, the Green Frog can also be identified by the yellow eardrum twice the size of its eye. Unlike the Northern Leopard Frog’s guttural call, the Green Frog sounds like a loose banjo string. The Mink Frog, much like the Northern Leopard Frog, does not have crossbands on its legs. But it does leave a musky odour if handled.

Unfortunately, frog populations are declining worldwide. As an indicator species, frogs tell us what’s happening in the environment – their semi-permeable skin is highly sensitive to changes in water, air and soil quality. The first signs of environmental degradation are often reflected in the health of local frog populations.

Want to learn more about the frogs in your area? Why not join FrogWatch, a nationwide volunteer monitoring program that tracks changes in the geographic range, the beginning and ending of the calling season, and the population of frogs and toads in Canada – you will be helping scientists collect valuable information on frogs!

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