Coimbatore, Dec 31 (ANI): In an effort to protect the fragile eco-diversity and the animal chain, the Coimbatore Zoo organised a programme to save frogs, an endangered species from extinction.

Children and adults played the "leap-like-a-frog" game to draw attention to conservation efforts that would avert the disaster.

The Coimbatore Zoo organized the awareness programme in association with 'Zoo Outreach Organization' and 'Amphibian Ark', a campaign supported by the zoos worldwide to rescue the most endangered 500 species.

Sreenath, a participant, said: "If frogs become extinct, mosquitoes will increase. Then the spread of diseases like malaria, dengue will be exacerbated. I realise how every creature in the animal-chain is important."

The frog population has declined in recent years due to fungal virus attack known as chytrid fungus and chytridiomycosis.

This virus has affected the frog population over the past 10 years and was noticed by scientists just two years back. So far, no vaccine has been developed either to protect frogs against the virus or to control the spread of the disease.

Thirukumaran, Director, Coimbatore Zoo, said: "Frogs are important to the environment because they are preys of several animals and are simultaneously predators attacking insects. If frogs perish, diseases like malaria are likely to proliferate and farmers in paddy fields will be affected. If frogs become extinct, several animals like snakes will be deprived of food. Hence the food chain will also be affected." (ANI)