World Wildlife Day reminds us to celebrate all creatures, big and small. But too often, the little ones and their important roles in the ecosystem can get overshadowed. Many of us are familiar with the roles species like eagles and salmon play, but what about the ones who go unnoticed? 

A Story About Nature’s Underdogs:

As the sun sets over the Dungeness River, the Pacific Chorus Frog starts its hidden symphony. Often unseen in the grass, and no bigger than a matchbox, the song of Pacific Chorus Frog is interwoven with the health of the Dungeness River and its surrounding ecosystem.

Why This Tiny Frog Matters
The Pacific Chorus Frog is a keystone species, helping to maintain balance in the ecosystem. It feeds on insects, controlling their populations, while also serving as an essential food source for birds, snakes, and mammals.

But perhaps its most remarkable role is as nature’s early warning system. Frogs have highly permeable skin that absorbs everything in their surroundings, including pollutants, toxins, and changes in water quality. If they disappear, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Their presence, or absence, can tell us more about the health of the Dungeness River than meets the eye.

Protecting the Song of the Dungeness

When we protect wetlands, streams, and healthy river systems, we ensure their song continues. 

Photo by Sally M Harris.