Awareness on ‘Wetlands and Amphibians’

Bhopal, Jan 31: Regional Museum of Natural History, Bhopal has organized an awareness programme on ‘Wetlands and Amphibians’ to mark the ‘World Wetlands Day- February 2, 2008 at Bhopal-the city of lakes, the most appropriate city for such wetland ecology. Healthy Wetlands, Healthy People is the suggested theme for World Wetlands Day, February 2, 2008.

World Wetlands Day is observed internationally on February 2nd to mark the date of signing of the convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971, at the Iranian city of Ramsar located on the Shores of the Caspian Sea. During this informative programme, one may understand that Wetlands are very important resources for drinking and irrigation, food etc. Many animals and plants like fishes, otters, crocodiles, snakes, insects, frogs, toads etc. are dependant on wetlands. In wetland ecology frogs, toads, newts, salamanders collectively play an important role. This is brought out in the proposed wetlands day programme. It was informed that the pivotal role in wetland conservation would be played by amphibians. It is to remember on wetlands day that frogs are noted for their diversity and are older than the human species on the earth. It is to be understood that there are 225 species of amphibians are found in India and 135 species are endemic.

This programme on wetlands may further throw light on wetland conservation. The organizers request the student community not to chase or hurt amphibians and leave them alone to fulfill the ecological requirements for the betterment of the society. Further RMNH may appeal to the students on this occasion not to torment a frog or stop them from their ecological responsibilities. Thus RMNH driving home the wetlands message 'Healthy Wetlands-Healthy People' prescribed by Ramsar Convention on wetlands and its local applications. Rakhi, posters, stickers, masks, placard, literatures related with amphibians received from 'Zoo Outreach Organisation, Coimbatore' would be distributed among the students to high light the importance of frogs to save wetlands.