Leap into record books for environment on Durbs promenade
Organisers are trying to break the Guinness World Record for the largest game of leapfrog globally to raise awareness about frogs.
THE Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) are encouraging residents to be part of a Guinness World Record for the largest game of leapfrog globally this Friday. Dr Jeanne Tarrant from EWT said this is the fourth event held in the country. Leap Day for Frogs is held annually towards the end of February to raise awareness around the plight of frogs.
“This year we’re trying to break the Guinness World Record for the largest game of leapfrog globally. The current record is 1 348 participants at an event in New Zealand, so our target is 1 500. We want to raise awareness and help protect one of the most threatened group of animals on Earth, frogs. The fun world record attempt will take place at Durban Beachfront Promenade (uShaka) at 10am on Friday, 24 February,” she said.
According to Tarrant, there are 160 endemic frog species in South Africa, of which 29 per cent are critically endangered due to habitat destruction, increasing levels of pollution in freshwater systems, disease and changes in climate.
The EWT Threatened Amphibian Programme (EWT-TAP) will use the day towards the protection and conservation of three of our most endangered frog species: Amathole Toad , Pickersgill’s Reed Frog and Western Leopard Toad.
“The aim of the programme is to secure populations of some of South Africa’s most threatened amphibian species. It’s also to protect key habitats for threatened amphibians and raise awareness about frogs and their importance,” she said.
