There is a growing interest in collecting ornaments and figurines relating to frogs. No-one is sure, why frogs are becoming collectors’ items. Perhaps it is because many scientists see the fall in frog numbers in some places as a sign that the environment is under stress. Perhaps people are attracted to become collectors because of the nature of frogs, generally, or simply because they are a beautiful creation. As with all collectors, one has to start somewhere, like buying the first piece. There is a huge business in manufacturing and supplying frogs that are unique. Frogs adorn many things that are not even related to frogs, for example, it is amazing how many companies have a frog in their logo or their letterhead and business card. People have made almost all household items with frogs somehow attached.
The materials used in making these from mementos can be paper, metal (like aluminum or steel), glass, porcelain, rubber, recycled materials, soft materials, etc. etc. There are frog calenders, diaries and other paper products decorated with frogs.
There are frog collector’s newsletters available on the internet and they are easy to find using any search engine – such is the passion of a frog collector that they want others to continually join them. There are much worse things to collect!
As is the case with any collection there needs to be a way of knowing what is in the collection and there needs to be confidence that the collection is safely stored.
As there are no international standards for frog collecting, the cataloging needs to be personal and descriptive. Use whatever electronic means available, so that the entire collection is recorded. Another good reason to catalogue a collection is that it may help in choosing what to spend hard earned cash on next. Collectors can usually spend any amount of money that is available. Set a budget, so that you can still eat!
The storage of frog figurines and ornaments can become a challenge, particularly, if the collector wants to display all the items. Cupboards with glass doors are a great start, but when buying try to get the ones that have a good seal so that dust does not easily get in, otherwise there will be the constant job of keeping the collection clean and looking great.
None of these challenges are really too big for the avid collector, until the collection is really large. Whatever is done, it should be done with enjoyment and fun. Collecting should not be a chore. You will know that you have crossed over as a frog collector when some of the following happens:
You are asked for your address and you write “pond” You live in constant fear of ending up in an aquarium You are asked your name, and you answer “Kermit” You are scared of going to France You are upset when there are no flies about!
Enjoy collecting!
Interesting facts about frogs
Frogs are seen by some scientists as a barometer on the environment. When their populations are decreasing, there is concern that the environment is under stress, as it is believed that frogs require a clean environment in which to live.
Here are a compilation of interesting facts about frogs from all over the world, collected from many different sources.
1. There are over 4000 species of frogs in the world, though only 88 species in the US and Canada. They are all over the world, except for Antarctica and Iceland. 2. Frogs have smooth skin, and long legs to help them leap. Toads have drier warty skin and short legs, and they move by crawling or hopping rather than by leaping. Technically, though, toads are just a type of frog, but a species that man is trying to eradicate in Australia. 3. The smallest frog in the world is from Cuba, and is only 1/2" (or 12 mm) long. The largest frog in the world is from West Africa and is about 12 inches (or 300mm) long. 4. Most frogs lay their eggs in water or moist places (as do toads). The red-eyed tree frog from Central America lays its eggs on leaves that are over the water. When the eggs hatch, the tadpoles fall into the water below. 5. Some frogs lay as many as 25,000 eggs while others may lay as few as 4. The color of eggs vary. 6. Because frogs have eyes and nostrils that are on the tops of their heads, they can see and breathe while the rest of the body is under water. Adult frogs breathe with lungs, but also absorb oxygen through their skin. 7. Tadpoles breathe through gills while adult frogs breath through crude lungs and also absorb oxygen through their skin. 8. Some types of frogs have a round iris in their eyes, but some have horizontal slits, some have vertical slits, and some are even triangular or heart-shaped. 9. Frogs don't drink water but absorb it through their skin. 10. Frogs come in all colors. Green tree frogs are found in Asia. Most frogs can change their color somewhat to match their surroundings. 11. Native American and Australian aborigines believed frogs brought rain 12. In Japan frogs are symbols of good luck 13. In India frogs personified thunder. 14. In China it was not the Man in the Moon but the Frog in the Moon. In a lunar eclipse the frog swallowed the moon! 15. In ancient Egypt, frogs were symbols of resurrection and were even mummified with the dead.
Frogs are amazing animals, in that they start as eggs, become tadpoles and later grown frogs. They are revered in some cultures and replicas are collected by people all over the world.