Fri Jan 17 03:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Bengaluru Scientists Develop Board Game to Boost Frog Conservation

**Bengaluru, January 17, 2025** – A unique board game, “The Hoppy Frog,” is aiming to raise awareness about amphibian conservation in India. Developed by researchers at the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) and funded by the IndiaBioscience Outreach Grant, the game uses an engaging, interactive format to educate players about the threats facing frogs and the importance of their conservation.

The game, launched in 2024, simulates a frog’s journey through a human-dominated world, encountering various challenges and opportunities represented by differently colored squares and corresponding cards. Players learn about threats like habitat loss, predation, and disease, alongside positive aspects such as plentiful food sources. The game’s creators, Seshadri K.S., Vidisha M.K., and Maria Antony, drew inspiration from children’s workshops conducted by Bisle Frogwatch, a citizen-led initiative. They recognized the need for a more engaging approach to environmental education beyond traditional lectures.

“The Hoppy Frog” has already reached over 800 participants through workshops across Bengaluru and beyond, including events at the Science Gallery Bengaluru and the Indian Institute of Science. An online version is also available on ATREE’s website. Furthermore, the game’s creators have released the design under a Creative Commons license, allowing for adaptation and wider use.

The game’s creators highlight the crucial role amphibians play in ecosystems, including pest control and medical research. They emphasize the alarming decline in amphibian populations globally, with nearly 40% of species threatened, primarily due to disease and habitat loss. The game aims to shift the conservation narrative, which often focuses on larger animals, to include these vital but often overlooked creatures. By fostering awareness and engaging players directly, “The Hoppy Frog” seeks to inspire a new generation of conservationists and contribute to the protection of amphibians in India and beyond.

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