Nature Season 27 Episode 10
Nature
Season 27

Ep 10. Frogs: The Thin Green Line

  • April 5, 2009
  • 8.5  (40)

Frogs: The Thin Green Line is the tenth episode of the twenty-seventh season of the long-running and revered documentary series Nature. This episode dives deep into the ecology and conservation of frogs, exploring their roles in various ecosystems and the devastating effects of their declining populations due to pollution, habitat loss, and a deadly fungal disease.

The episode highlights the fascinating and diverse ways that frogs contribute to their habitats. They act as predators that eat insects that would otherwise harm plants and other animals, form a vital food source for predators like birds and snakes, and even aid in seed dispersal. However, despite their crucial roles in various ecosystems, frogs are facing unprecedented threats that are causing their populations to plummet at an alarming rate.

One of the major threats to frogs is pollution. The episode showcases how chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides can seep into waterways and harm frogs, as well as how pollution can cause mutations in frog populations. For example, certain pesticides have been linked to mutations that cause frogs to develop extra limbs or other deformities.

Another issue facing frog populations is habitat loss. As wetlands and other habitats are destroyed and fragmented, the frog populations that depend on them are forced to adapt or perish. The episode highlights how this is particularly problematic for species with specific habitat requirements, such as the barking tree frog, which relies on the presence of very specific types of trees for survival.

Perhaps the most devastating cause of frog decline is a fungal disease called chytridiomycosis. The episode explains how this disease is spread by humans and causes skin infections that can be lethal for many species of frogs. This disease has led to the decline and extinction of hundreds of species of frogs, and researchers are working tirelessly to find ways to control and combat the disease.

Despite the bleak outlook for frogs, the episode also showcases the various ways that scientists, conservationists, and citizens are working to help these vital creatures. For example, many organizations are fighting to protect wetlands and other crucial habitats, while others are raising awareness of the importance of frogs and the threats they face. Additionally, scientists are working on developing new treatments and methods to combat chytridiomycosis and other diseases.

Overall, Frogs: The Thin Green Line is a compelling and informative episode that sheds light on the urgent need for action to protect frogs and their habitats. Through powerful footage and expert interviews, viewers gain a deeper understanding of these fascinating creatures, as well as the vital roles they play in our world. The episode provides a hopeful message that with collective effort, we can help to preserve the rich diversity of frog species and the ecosystems that rely on them.

Description
Watch Nature - Frogs: The Thin Green Line (s27 e10) Online - Watch online anytime: Stream, Download, Buy, Rent
Nature, Season 27 Episode 10, is available to watch free on PBS and stream on PBS. You can also stream, download, buy, rent Nature on demand at Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    April 5, 2009
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    8.5  (40)