Coral specialist Claes Andrén reveals how Swedish corals first took the step onto land 360 million years ago.
The episode begins with an introduction to Claes Andrén, a coral specialist and professor, who discusses his lifelong fascination with amphibians. He explains that frogs were the first animals to move onto land about 360 million years ago and describes their life cycle, starting as eggs in water and undergoing metamorphosis. Field reporter Karin Gyllenklev visits Skåne with herpetologist Sara Albinsson to observe clock frogs, noting their defensive posture and daytime vocalizations. Claes shares the story of the 2009 European Bombina Song Contest, where Sweden's clock frogs won with 80% of the vote. The episode categorizes amphibians into groups: three brown frogs (common, moor, and long-legged), three toads (common, green-spotted, and beach/stink toad), and three odd frogs (leek, clock, and leaf frog). Listener Anna Nordenfelt recounts feeding a toad frozen peas, leading to a discussion on toad poison and dog safety. Sara and Petter Albinsson describe their farm in Skåne, purchased to create habitats for threatened leek frogs, involving dam restoration and land management. Claes provides conservation advice, such as creating small ponds and leaving logs, and notes that 70% of Swedish amphibian species have improved their status over 60 years. The episode includes listener questions on amphibian development and eggs, and ends with descriptions of edible frogs and salamanders, highlighting their beauty and behaviors.
