The Thin Green Line

October 4, 2012

The Thin Green Line is a documentary film regarding the extinction of frogs. The frog population has been declining worldwide at unprecedented rates up to 200 species have completely disappeared since 1980. This is unusual the amphibian populations are faced with many environmental issues including pollution, infections, diseases, habitat loss, invasive species, climate change and oven harvesting. Frogs are integral part of the food web. Tad poles keep waterways clear by feeding on algae. Adult frogs eat large quantities of insects, including disease vectors which may transmit fatal illness to humans.

I never really realized how unique frogs really are until I watched "The Thin Green Line." It is amazing how motherhood is regarding frogs. The mother abandons her eggs and relies on the father to protect them day in and day out. That's pretty neat. He protects the eggs eating insects that invade the area. Frogs come in many variations, but I have never encountered a yellow frog. I'm not sure that their available in this area, but they appear to be pretty neat. They don't have any ears. They utilize their body parts for communication. Frogs can also vary in color indicating it may be poisonous and can be fatal to its prey and others. Variations are colored to blend in with trees.

I really view frogs in a different aspect now because I never realized the importance of frogs. Their bodies may hold a key to important new discoveries in medical research. Scientists have found that chemicals compounds found in a frog's skin may be used to treat pain, block infections and even being explored as HIV treatments. Frogs are right in the middle of the food chain, and without them other creatures are disappearing too.

I never hear heard of the disease called "Chytrid "Scientist was stumbling across many dead frogs that were being killed by this disease. Chytrid invades that frog population quickly, extinguishing and entire frog population in a matter of months. Scientist has taken many preventive measures to stop this deadly disease. They evacuated frogs from the wild and sheltered them in a sterile environment. The Thin Green Line is a very neat and informative video to view and I really enjoyed it. Frogs are truly amazing creatures.