The painted frog inhabits several Mediterranean countries but the species found locally is only present in Malta and Sicily.

This species has not been well studied locally and there is little, if any, information on population trends. However, those who visit the countryside regularly can see that many places where frogs used to thrive have now been built over. These places have become rare or even inexistent in many localities.

If this trend continues, Malta’s only amphibian might disappear from the Maltese islands.

This species is, however, showing a worrying decline throughout most of its range, including Sicily. In fact, more than 30 per cent of the world’s amphibians are on the verge of extinction.

There are many possible reasons for this decline. The biggest threat for our frog is, of course, the destruction of its habitat.

Another probable threat is the use of pesticides that poison the creature and its food. The painted frog is also facing the threat of alien amphibian species that could push it out of its habitat.

This has happened in some sites in Gozo where an alien species, the Levant water frog, was introduced some years ago.

In many parts of the world, particularly in tropical areas in Asia and South America, the decline in amphibian populations has been linked to climate change which is bringing about extreme weather and changes in rain patterns including long periods of drought.

In Malta we cannot do much to stop global climate change but reducing the impact of the other factors is within our control.

We should not leave any stone unturned to ensure that our painted frog does not become extinct.

portelli.paul@gmail.com