Monsoon triggers bullfrog poaching fears in Canacona

Canacona: Environmentalists raised an alarm over alleged poaching of endangered Indian bullfrogs in Canacona taluka, as the first monsoon showers coaxed the amphibians out of hibernation.

“Just after the onset of monsoon, the poachers catch frogs in remote places and sell them in Margao and other places,” an activist alleged.

Activists also said the frogs are traded under the code name ‘jumping chicken’, as the meat is promoted as a delicacy and served by some restaurants in tourism hubs.

In one instance, activists patrolling at night found 25 bullfrogs stuffed into a jute bag at an isolated spot and released them into a large well. They believed the poachers fled fearing the arrival of forest department staff.

Range forest officer Anand Velip said the department conducts night patrols in suspected pockets during the season to prevent frog catching. He denied that poaching was taking place in Canacona and said beat guards were deployed in vulnerable areas. While he acknowledged some remote locations might be difficult to access, he said staffing was adequate and monsoon patrolling was intensified. Forest officials stated that no cases have been registered so far.

Hunting, selling and consuming frogs has been prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The forest department issued monsoon-time warnings that catching, killing, selling or eating frog meat was a punishable offence, attracting imprisonment of up to three months and fines that could go up to nearly Rs 1 lakh. Restaurants and individuals were also cautioned against stocking or serving frog meat.

With increased awareness making it harder to hunt in populated areas, activists suspected smuggling from the neighbouring state Karnataka. In June 2024, forest officials intercepted a private bus near Kali bridge in Karwar and seized 42 Indian bullfrogs hidden in a bag, arresting the driver and conductor.