Date: 8/27/08
Contact: C. Douglas Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127, ext. 3500

SOME FROGS DON’T BELONG IN THE CLASSROOM

Hoping to foster students’ curiosity and desire to learn, teachers often order various species of frogs, fish, tarantulas, lizards and other creatures to have on display where their students can watch them grow and learn about biology. As a rule, little attention is paid to the species of live animals placed in aquariums and habitats in classrooms.

Recently, however, some Nevada teachers were surprised to learn the frogs they had in their classrooms were actually a prohibited species. This came to light after Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) game wardens seized several African clawed frogs from a residence in Reno. After seeing the news reports, teachers contacted NDOW to report that they had purchased the same species for their classrooms. Those frogs were turned over to game wardens.

“The African clawed frog is a large and voracious feeder that can have significant impacts on native wildlife. If any of these animals were released into one of Nevada’s warm springs, these frogs could consume every aquatic native animal in this fragile ecosystem,” said NDOW Wildlife Education Coordinator Margie Klein. “The clawed frog is also suspected to carry a disease in the slime covering their bodies.”

Amphibians worldwide are at risk from contagious diseases, and their numbers are decreasing. Biologists are worried that since they are near the bottom of the food chain, casualties of frogs may indicate general poor health of aquatic ecosystems.

Fred Henson, a NDOW game warden assigned to the investigation, said the release of exotic species into native ecosystems is a big problem. Aquarium fish such as goldfish, red shiners and the short-finned molly have been released into springs, ponds, and lakes around Nevada. Henson has even seen alligators that have been found in local waters.

“Reputable biological supply companies and local pet stores should be familiar with Nevada’s laws regarding the sale and possession of wildlife. Teachers who purchase animals from stores or online suppliers should review those laws as well. Those who don’t are putting nature at risk,” said Doug Nielsen, an NDOW spokesman.

Parents should also do a little checking when a teacher offers to send an animal home with their child. They should be aware of what the animal species is and whether it’s legal to have in the first place, Nielsen said.

The list of species prohibited in the Silver State can be found in the Nevada Administrative Code, Chapter 503, Section 110. This can be viewed online at the Nevada Law Library website, http://www.leg.state.nv.us/NAC/NAC-503.html#NAC503Sec110.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.