More than 10,000 endangered frogs living near Lake Titicaca in Peru have suddenly died leaving Peruvian authorities confused. According to conservation groups, the Titicaca Water Frog (known as “scrotum frogs” because of their excessive skin folds) is considered a “critically endangered” species.
Thousands of Frogs Mysteriously Dying
In the last two decades, the giant frogs (they can weigh more than two pounds) have become threatened due to over-harvesting for human consumption, by exotic trout that feed on its tadpoles, and the destruction of their natural habitat.
Although authorities don’t know why they are dying en mass right now, sludge and solid waste were recently spotted during an investigation; La Republica, a Peruvian newspaper, reported that residents living near the Coata River Basis held a demonstration and brought 100 deads frogs to the attention of environmental authorities. The residents believe sewage runoff coming from Juliaca played a role in the frog deaths.
Source: CNN
