frogs Archives -

June 30, 2015June 30, 2015

The World’s Cutest Frog With It’s Own Fearsome War Cry!

Hi everyone, Sgt.Frog here.

So have you heard about the Desert Rain Frog?
Imagine a frog that lives in a desert area, very small but plump like a mini balloon animal!
These little frogs are nocturnal creatures that rest in the day and hunt at night. Why do these frogs hunt at night is because of the desert temperature differences between day and night.

(Image from freedawnscientia.blogspot)

During day time the desert can be very hot and very little shade can be found. Frog prefer to keep their skin moist so these frog dig into the sand deep enough to find moist sand to rest on.
During nighttime the desert temperature drops to a very cool temperature. These frogs would then move up to the surface to hunt for food. Also during nighttime vision can be limited for predators and prey alike.
This is one of the main reasons why most animals prefer hunting at the cover of night.

(Citation for information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert_rain_frog)

Now this is a video captured by a amateur photographer named Dean Boshoff. He described the frog making a fearsome war cry!
So watch the video and hear this frog’s war cry yourself!

Sgt.Frog signing out.

April 21, 2015May 11, 2016

FRACTS #10 – Are frogs poisonous?

Did you know about the Poison Dart Frogs?

These frogs are dangerous as their skin glands contains the deadly toxins. Not all Poison Dart Frogs are deadly, some are just less toxic where they can paralyze their attackers or predators. The more poisonous species will be like the Golden Poison Frog. The Golden Poison Frog is so poisonous that just one milligram of its poison is strong enough to kill 10,000 mice!
(Citation 1 : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poison_dart_frog)

Poison Dart Frogs’ poison are Batrachotoxin, which are basically neurotoxins. So once the poison is ingested by the predator it will directly affect the nervous system of the victim. Once the nervous system is down the body won’t be able to function properly, causing death. Other animals also have neurotoxins as a defense or even a weapon. This includes animals like snakes, spiders and scorpions.

Do you know the differences between Poison and Venom? Venom is when the toxin is being injected directly to the body, like stings or fang bites. Poison is different as it’s only classified as that when the toxin is ingested.

It’s arguable that Poison Dart Frogs do not create their own toxins and rather that they feed on insects that consume poisonous plants around them, this allows the frog to accumulate the toxins within it with each insect it eats.
(Citation 2 : http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/Amazonia/Facts/fact-poisondartfrog.cfm)

The reason they are called poison dart frogs is that natives in the jungle discovered that these frogs are poisonous. So they decided to secrete the poison from the frog to apply on the tips of their weapons like arrows, hence the name Poison Dart Frog.

But just being poisonous is not enough to stop predators to try feeding on them. So these frogs have evolved to have brightly colored skin to detain predators from preying on them. Bright colors in the animal world is a way of saying “Hey back off, I’m poisonous. Eat me if you dare!”

Many animals in the world has also developed this tactic to prevent predators from eating them. Other animals like Monarch Butterflies and Coral Snakes also have brightly colored skin or patterns to fend off would-be predators.

Here’s another fun fact, did you know that the cute Platypus found in Australia has it’s own venom?

It does! The venom is located in the spur (like a small spike) which is on the hind limbs of the platypus which only the males have. This venom is rather unique. The venom doesn’t kill, but instead causes swelling and excruciating pain for weeks or even months! Victims claimed that the pain is so bad that it’s even worse than being shot by a gun! Also there’s no antidote for it, not even morphine is able to soothe the pain. So in short, never handle a platypus carelessly or you might just end up suffering from the venom for weeks!
(Citation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platypus_venom)

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September 23, 2014November 5, 2014

First post by hmm…Froglette?

Hello everyone, Froglette here!

So, how did I come up with this nickname for myself? I don’t particularly LOVE ‘Smurfs’, but actually got the idea from the female Smurf’s name: Smurfette. So there we go! Froglette joins the JFF family for the next 4 months, or maybe even longer.

There were a total of 3 tours that I conducted today (some together with my colleague), and I’m still getting the hang of it. My first tour group consisted of people my age, and I was honestly very anxious throughout the whole duration of this tour. But they were very nice, and a few of them standing closest to me were telling me that I shouldn’t be nervous because they won’t eat me! For my last tour of the day, it was the Gabbe’s Adventure tour, and I conducted this to quite a big group of primary 1 kids. They were very cute! I had lots of fun speaking to them, but at the same time, they were very hard to control. Crowd control is a skill I would have to pick up very soon, if not I’ll easily get overwhelmed. I’m actually very nervous about conducting tours because I have never liked talking to, or interacting with big groups of people. But maybe there is a purpose for me in coming to JFF for my internship, and hopefully by the end of my internship, I would be a more outgoing person, more willing to initiate conversations with all sorts of people, and be a changed person overall.

I’ll probably be writing more in the near future, so look out for Froglette’s posts! Bye for now! 🙂

Hi I'm Felicia (Froglette)! — Hi I’m Felicia (Froglette)!

July 29, 2014

Introducing Charlane, JFF’s Frogician!!!

Greetings! I’m Charlane aka Frogician and I’m the newest addition to the Jurong Frog Farm (JFF).

You probably intrigued by the title of Frogician. As my aim as a tour guide would be to fascinate the participants who visit the farm like a magician would during performances. My hope is that it would delight the children to learn about the mesmerizing world of frogs.

Now, people are always curious to know why the decision to work at a farm.

Firstly, my job scope provides me a wide variety of opportunities to learn about entrepreneurial skills, operations and marketing strategies. These are valuable skills that can be hone only through on the job training.

At JFF, we run booked tours for children and it sparked an interest in me because of my love for young children. This will also allow me to use my training as an Early Childhood Educator to inspire children of all ages to have the love for continuous learning at our farm. As an educator, my wish for the children who come to visit will leave feeling that we have enriched their lives in a small way or another.

Last but not least, the farm attracts people from all walks of lives. I find it exciting to meet people and share interesting conversations. It is also a platform to communicate our knowledge about frogs and their beneficial uses.

I look forward to welcoming you to JFF with a magical tour!!

Magically,

Charlane

The Frogician

July 22, 2014May 11, 2016

FRACTS #8 – Frogs inspired the creation of batteries!!

Did you know that frogs were involved in the creation of the battery?

It all started with a frog. And a scientist. And a wonderful coincidence.

Luigi Galvani, an Italian scientist of the 1700s discovered that electricity applied to the nerves of frog legs caused the large muscles to twitch. Galvani then named the perpetrator of this effect animal electricity- a fractured allusion to the “life force” that was thought to be the essence of life on earth.

Its discovery began as Galvani was working to understand static electricity through the rubbing of frog skins
together. As he slowly skinned the frog with his steel scalpel, it touched the brass hook he was using to hold the frog’s leg in and picked up a charge which caused the frog’s leg to twitch, hence presenting an indication of the presence of electricity.

Further experiments by Italian physicist Volta showed that the frog’s leg was merely an indicator of the presence of electricity and that the electricity that caused the twitch was actually sparked by the dissimilarity of the two metals.

Nevertheless, without frog protagonist in this wonderful story of accidental discovery, scientists such as Gassner (1887) and Sir Thomas Edison (1903) and Urry (1950) would not have been able to arrive at their brilliant discoveries. The ubiquitious battery of the modern world would not have been invented and we would not even be able to dream of having mobile phones or cameras.

Think about it!

https://backyardbrains.com/experiments/img/Exp5_galvani.jpeg
http://www.batteryfacts.co.uk/BatteryHistory/Galvani.html

January 13, 2014

“A Leap of Faith” in The ALUM NUS

Always grateful to my Alma Matar, National University of Singapore, which has exposed me to the challenges of modules from different faculties during my education there; later able to solve more complicated issues in the School of Life; and for being the impetus in my desire to join JFF right after graduation.

Also a heartfelt thank you to the many valuable friendships made with lecturers and the fellow classmates from all the different tutorials and the opportunities which has since opened up to me as a graduate from NUS.

Lastly thank you for featuring my humble story in a frog farm in this Issue 96 of Alumni Magazine.

Much Gratitude,
Chelsea the Frogologist

December 31, 2013

Ending a Splendid 2013 with 3 teeth yanked out and a revelation!

Got a revelation when I had my wisdom teeth extracted before X’mas this year. It wasn’t about the process of the extraction. It’s the trepidation that you will be getting 3 of your biggest teeth yanked out by a person whom you had only met briefly prior to the surgery. The last thing I was told before I entered the clinic was, ‘Dear, remember this. You are always scared but you always do it.’ The words of my fiancé.

He is right. Even in 2006, I decided to walk into JFF knowing full well that this is going to an extremely slimy business. And I have to admit. It’s ain’t easy. Many challenges I have faced then, I’m still trying to grapple with them now.

Even up till last week, I was telling my customers I’m not the boss la. I’m working for my father. Simply put, all I wanted to do when I decided to join this company was to help my father and make things better and perhaps easier for him!

I realized that my aspirations then have been clouded by the challenges in this second generation business. The short land leases, old school employees, working methods and processes, even the very location of this farm which made it hard for hiring. Day to day activities became fire fighting!

What are my aspirations?
I wanted JFF to be part of every child’s learning journey; not only to learn about the magical world of American bullfrogs but also to know of this part of Singapore’s agriculture history that JFF has grew in the name of progress and prosperity in Singapore. In another words, I wanted JFF to be well known. I wanted my father’s hard work into building Singapore’s only frog farm to be known to all Singaporeans through their children.

Now growing up with frogs, it was generally assumed that I must be a good swimmer. But I’m not. I only know basic strokes and to stay afloat by lying on my back. Yet, I have rafted 40 km down Zambezi River, floated along with crocodiles basking in the sun. In this picture, the raft has turned turtle and i’ve already been thrown into the meciless choppy water.

Plunged into the Devils Pool on top of Victoria Falls.

For land adventures, I have also trekked up fox glacier in New Zealand,

climbed up Table Mountain (3563 ft) through the Skeleton Gorge (a amazing albeit gruelling 5.5 hrs of trotting, rock climbing, hiking, trudging!)

I have also trekked up Mount Ophir this year; Walk barefooted in rivers to hunt for caves and dive down sand dunes in Vietnam. Who would say no to a good adventure!!

Each of these activities, i have walked in with trepidation, yet walking out feeling victorious. In short, now with 3 teeth lesser, I’m going to face 2014 with even greater courage and now taking more ownership to reach out to more people about the existence of this farm and its heritage.

The next time you see me in JFF, I’m going to tell you I’m heading the department of Frogologists. (:

Enjoy the remaining hours of 2013 and lets’ all face 2014 with grit and make next year truly an adventure of a lifetime!!

p.s. obviously there is a hint of Mitty in this post! Watch the movie and be as inspired!;)

Best,
Chelsea Wan
Frogologist of JFF ( Head)

August 23, 2013

World Food Festival 2013 (EXPO)

Hello JFF Friends,

JFF will be participating in the World Food Fair 2013 in September at EXPO from the 5th – 8th September from 11-10pm at BOOTH H12!

World Food Fair 2013 is 4 days of pure gastro-nomical heaven where you can grab great bargains, big discounts, huge savings, free gifts and special show offers. With over 100 Food and Beverage Manufactures and Suppliers showcasing an extensive line-up of the latest food and beverage products all under one roof, you’ll never be able to finish browsing through all within a day. With over 1000 products ranging from frozen to ready-to-eat food and beverages, and over 65000 square foot of fine food tasting from local to international cuisines, it’s definitely an event not to be missed!

JFF will be putting up our popular Exotic Bites menu which includes Yummy Deep Fried Frog Meat and Crocodile Nuggets just for the adventurous ones.

We will also be retailing our NO. 1 best seller, Royal Hashima Dessert at our booth! Come for the sampling of this dessert which is taken both for its beauty enhancing and body nourishing properties.

If tasting is not enough, our Fresh Whole Frogs and Frozen frog legs, known for its sweetness and tenderness, are available for purchase from our booth so that you can cook for your loved ones at the comfort of your home (recipes included!).

Our range of 100% naturally processed and locally manufactured premium Hashima products such as Specially Selected Dried Snow Jelly and Bottled Hashima with American Ginseng will also be up for grabs!

At JFF, we believe in absolutely NO use of antibiotics, hormones and steroids during the breeding and raising of our livestock. You can be rest assured that you are paying for the freshest and best quality products!

Do come and support the People In Green at our booth! Looking forward to seeing you then!

您好裕廊田蛙场的朋友们：

我们将在2013年9月参加世界食品博览会，地点在H12号展位，时间是从9月5日至8日的10点至11点。

2013年世界食品博览会是享受美食的天堂，在这里，你可以抓住很多的洗后懊丧的机会，节省巨额开支，我们还有免费礼品和特别节目提供。超过有100种食品和饮料制造商和供应商，在相同广泛的产品线下展示最新的食品和饮料产品，你永远无法通过一天之内完成浏览。拥有超过1000种产品，范围从冰冻得食品到准备吃的食物和饮料，以及超过65000平方英尺的美食场地，从本地到国际美食品尝精美的食物，这是绝对不容错过的事件！

裕廊田蛙农场将会把我们的畅销食品摆放出来，其中包括美味的烹炸田蛙肉和鳄鱼尾肉，只等你来品尝了。
我们也将是零售最好的第一卖家，雪蛤甜品在我们的展台！在这里你能够享受甜点的式吃，让这个雪蛤甜品改善你的皮肤色与滋肺养肝的功能。

如果仅仅品尝是远远不够的，我们有新鲜的田蛙和冷冻的田蛙腿，它们富有丰富的甜味和温和性，这些都可以从我们的摊位购买，这样就可以在您舒适的家（包括食谱！）为您的家人煮饭。

我们是100%的纯自然处理和本地制造的雪蛤产品，如特选雪蛤膏和瓶装雪蛤花旗参甜品也将物美价廉！

在裕廊田蛙农场，我们在养殖过程中相信绝对没有使用过抗生素，激素或者类固醇。这点你可以放心，你买到的是最新鲜和最优质的产品！

在我们的展台希望有支持我们！期待再次见到你！

JFF TEAM

December 28, 2012

JFF Christmas Recipes (Finale!)

The finale of the 4 parts jFF Christmas Recipe – Vin Blanc Frog Meat!

Last week, we learnt about how low in fats frog meat is. The trick to whip up a perfectly delectable frog dish is not only to use freshly processed frog meat but also to serve the dish piping hot!

Vin blanc frog meat uses very simple ingredients and takes only about 10 mins stewing process before your guests arrive for dinner!

Ingredients (A):
Leek
Garlic
Carrots
Celery
Basil leaves

Sauce (B):
1 TB black pepper sauce
5 TB water

Marinate (C):
4 whole fresh frogs chopped
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 TB oyster sauce

50 ml Sauvignon blanc to be added last

1. Add sesame oil into a flat frying pan
2. When oil is heated, add in (A). Fry for 3-5 mins until fragrant.
3. Add in (B) & (C).
4. Stew this mixture up to 10 mins until
Frog meat is entirely cooked. Add more water if necessary.
5. Lastly douse Sauvignon Blanc over the dish

Viola!! Vin Blanc Frog Meat!

July 4, 2012

Meeting Albarello Ferdinando in person.. (Part 1)

[slideshow]Albarello Federico, an expert exotic leather craftsman in Milan, prides his company (the brand is his name!) as one with the best treatment and innovation in its leather processing. Well known in the world of high fashion, his exposure to this trade started in his much younger days when his family processed fur skins. He does not actually make the finished product but when skins arrive in his factory, they will hand stitch pieces of skin especially for the smaller pieces together into panels of ~90 cm x ~60 cm. Designers of high end fashion will buy up rolls and rolls of these panels of snake, crocodile, ostrich, even FISH like TILAPIAS???!! from him. That is his market.

So what did he think of FROG SKIN? More room for improvement on the cut. Frog belly skin is the way to go. Price is still the key in decision making for suppliers. The list goes on. He was curious to know how this frog crust was made and how on earth did i managed to glue it onto my phone. Hahah..He knows its way too amateur!

He then showed me a sample of a small piece of finished skin. I’ll challenge you to make a guess which animal this skin came from?

I’m still trying to stitch into his mind that perhaps Lade Gaga would be interested in a Frog Skin Assemblage.. And according to D, we can call her Lady Gwa gwa.;)

Do look out for the updates end of this month (after Albarello’s visit to his tannery in Indonesia) if the polished finished frog skin would have enough potential to make a global impact!

http://www.albarelloferdinando.com/