Since 1995, increasing numbers of amphibians, but especially frogs and toads, have been found with a number of strange deformities. Students in Minnesota discovered large numbers of deformed frogs in a pond and the national media highlighted this environmental phenomen. This issue is now high on the research agenda of scientists. However, this problem is no longer Minnesota-based, as deformities have been reported from across the US, as well as parts of Canada and even Japan. This international phenomenon is intriguing scientists and is a wonderful example of how students through environmental stewardship can bring an issue like this to the notice of the scientific community and the general public. The photo here shows some students involved in the Thousand Friends of Frogs Project examining a deformed frog.

The causes of this are not yet known, and scientists need more information on where these deformed frogs are being found. In addition, knowing where healthy frogs and toads exist is also helpful to scientists as they can then concentrate their research in certain geographic locations.

Check out the Science Corner of the web site for further information on this strange phenomenon.