The Forest Department has issued a strong warning to the public against hunting, killing, selling or serving frogs for meat, stating that strict action will be taken against violators during the monsoon season.
Officials said special patrolling drives will be conducted in vulnerable areas to curb illegal frog catching, particularly in locations where poaching activities are suspected.
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According to the department, bullfrogs are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and any violation can attract legal action, including a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh, imprisonment for up to three months, or both.
Forest authorities said the continued practice of catching frogs for consumption has severely impacted their population and disturbed the ecological balance. Frogs are considered vital for controlling mosquitoes and other insects, and a decline in their numbers can negatively affect both public health and the environment.
The department also cautioned restaurants and individuals against serving or selling frog meat, popularly known in some places as “jumping chicken”.
Goacan convenor Roland Martins also appealed to the public to stop the indiscriminate killing of frogs, warning that such poaching damages the food chain and weakens nature’s natural pest-control system.
