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Actor 'adopts' frog
10/09/2003 09:46 - (SA)
Deon de Lange, Beeld
Johannesburg - Well-known South African actor Bill Flynn, has answered a giant bullfrog's distress croak.
Flynn adopted the bullfrog, found near the Fourways Mall shopping centre a few weeks ago, at a function of the Free Me rehabilitation centre.
"A friend told me about the frog and said we looked alike. Of course, I had to investigate. When I found out how endangered these frogs were, I decided to get involved," Flynn said.
"Tjokkie", as the adopted frog has been named, will be the first of many frogs that will be equipped with micro transmitters to monitor the movements of this rare species.
The bullfrogs are expected to end their hibernation after the first summer rains to search for a mate.
During this time, some of the frogs will carry transmitters to allow researchers to establish how far they travel and how big an area they need to survive.
The public have been asked to be on the lookout for the roaming frogs. Hundreds of bullfrogs are killed on South African roads every year. Property and infrastructure developments in Johannesburg are also destroying the frogs' natural habitat.
If the project is successful, a new permanent home for the frogs might be established.
People who want to join the drive to save the bullfrog can contact Paul Fairall on 082 480 5858.
- Beeld
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South Africa
