Before the onset of monsoon every year, Goa’s Forest Department issues a warning that cooking of Indian bullfrog meat is as illegal as hunting the species. Yet, the sale of frog meat, under the garb of ‘jumping chicken,’ continues in the State.
Even possession and buying of this meat is illegal, says Range Forest Officer Dipak Betkikar.
This year too, the Forest Department has warned offenders of strict action. Mr. Betkikar says the problem has come down, thanks to stringent punishment, a publicity drive and support from environmentalists. “We have our squads to mount vigil during the onset of monsoon; environmental activists also help us. Definitely, the killing of frogs has come down,” he says.
Amrit Singh of Animal Rescue Squad says poaching is still rampant in areas where there are fields, ponds and open spaces. The Forest Department, he reckons, does not have sufficient manpower to keep a watch on miscreants. The problem is particularly grave during the onset of monsoon, when the frogs come out of their hibernation to mate.
Social media campaignThis year, some frog-lovers have taken to social media. “Please note that any information received of Indian bullfrog meat being consumed at any home or public eatery/restaurant will be passed on to the Forest Department and police immediately. The law will then take its own course. Conserve the Indian Bull frog. Obey the law,” reads an appeal-cum-warning circulating on Facebook, posted by Nirmal Kulkanri, a herpetologist and conservationist.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, hoteliers say lovers of frog legs pay exorbitant rates. A pair of the cooked frog legs is priced at Rs.200 and above. Restaurants call it ‘jumping chicken’.
Mr. Amrit Singh says the killing of the frogs is more at Canacona than in the rest of south Goa, and mostly, migrant workers are involved in it. Two-wheeler/bi-cycle “pilots” are used to get the meat from Karnataka.
Mr. Betkikar also says that the problem is more in south Goa.
“Goan poachers have good links with Karnataka traders, and they exchange the meat for liquor,” says an informer of the Forest Department.
Sold to leading hotelsSome say the frogs are being sold to leading hotels not only in Canacona but also in coastal areas of south Goa. Goa has three-four taluks in the Western Ghats; these frogs are found aplenty in Canacona, Sanguem, Sattari and Valpoi taluks.
