Hello, Here's an article/narration about frog catching and our experience in the fields of Benaulim. You can also read this on WildGoa or the Times of India supplement, Goa Plus dated yesterday, 24th June 2005. For pictures that we took that night, and the poster related to this article, mail me.
Clinton.. Saving the Frogs for another Rainy Day The rains have finally arrived in Goa with a terrifying show of thunder and lightning. The air is filled with the smell of freshly wet earth, and the roads emitted steam, an indication of how hot this past summer had been. Mother Nature has a great way of confirming that the rains have set in by the sound of the familiar croaks of the frogs in the fields as the sun went down for the day. Unfortunately for the frogs, the very same call attracts their mates at their time of breeding, also attracts a lot of uninformed and misguided Goans, who catch them for frog-legs, an illegal delicacy thats responsible for indiscriminate killing of frogs in Goa. Most of them are unaware that the fat in the meat of this jumping chicken contains toxic recalcitrant residues from chemical fertilizers in the fields and if consumed, could trigger a stroke, or cause cancer or kidney failure. Theres little being done to inform people or stem this tide of increasing frog-catchers. Its 10 pm, when I set out with Hansel, my brother looking out for frog-catchers. We get on a moped, armed with a camera and mobile phone and begin our ride in the darkness in the village of Benaulim. Theres a fine drizzle and the air is cool, but its hardly a minute gone by until we see the first torch light in the fields. We walk into the field, and speak to the man politely, informing him that frogs are important in controlling the insect population, spread of malaria, and other related diseases. He didnt realize this, but knows its illegal. Hes scared when we tell him that he could be fined upto Rs. 2000/- per person if caught by the authorities and at out request, 5 lucky frogs jump out of the bag and into the field. We stay on until he leaves, and then proceed further. Its not easy though. At times, it can be dangerous as we come across knife wielding poachers, some alcoholics, and even goons who threaten us and make us speak to an infamous Benaulim Politician. But a little courage and extreme politeness can do wonders. The night is young, and its not until 1 ½ hour later that we rescue and release about 50 frogs, and a terrapin into the night from 7 poachers. Before we call it a night, we register a written complaint to the police who admit that there has never been frog-catching complaints in the past, but finally unwillingly agree to patrol the village that night. We visit the Chief Wildlife Warden the next day at his Panjim office where he hands us some beautiful posters that explain why we need to save the frogs. He agrees to send a team to our village. That night, we spot a few poachers in the darkness, but leave the forest department to do their job. Its ironic that we find out the next day, that the anti-poaching squad has seen no illegal activities at all! Perhaps the department is emphasizing more on education rather than punishment? But are they? Weve not seen any of their beautiful posters in any of the publications. What can you do to help? Educate! Inform! Prevent! E-mail me at [EMAIL PROTECTED] for a printable poster. Tell your friends and neighbours the importance of saving frogs, and if you see somebody that still continues to catch frogs or serve them at a restaurant, you can call the following numbers: Chief Conservator of Forests: 2224747, Deputy Conservator for Wildlife: 9422 437 337, RFO Cotigao: 9822 157 139, RFO Mollem: 261 2211, RFO Campal: 222 8772, Police: 100 Help us to Protect and Conserve the Frogs.
