Belarus: a frog-leg lovers paradise?
Published: 26 February, 2009, 15:33
A Belarusian scientist says breeding edible frogs for export may be one way to confront the ongoing economic crisis.
The Republic of Belarus is home to three edible species of frogs – the Marsh Frog (Rana ridibunda), the Pool Frog (Rana lessonae) and the Edible Frog (Rana esculenta). All three types are considered delicacies in various countries including some EU members.
“Belarus has immense reserves of this delicacy. The republic could expect a huge foreign currency inflow if it developed the industrial breeding of these amphibians,” said Ruslan Novitsky, a member of the country's National Academy of Sciences.
Earlier this year, RT ran a story warning that an excessive consumption of frog’s legs may lead to the amphibians becoming extinct.
According to a study undertaken by scientists at the University of Adelaide, annual global trade in amphibians is currently between 200 million and one billion. Scientists say this level of consumption has led to over 100 species of frogs becoming extinct, with 3,000 more to join them in the future.
26.02.2009, 15:26
'Russia is working towards becoming a better democracy'The situation with human rights in Russia is improving but there is still long long way to go, says Secretary General of the Council of Europe Terry Davis. |
26.02.2009, 16:19
They sued to be black?South Africans who were black last year have to slide over and make room for the new blacks. Lawsuits are forcing traditional blacks to be color-blind and to share their identity. |
