A hundred years ago, it was a right of passage for kids to have tadpoles and frogs as pets.
So what happened?
Well in the 1970's keeping tadpoles and frogs was outlawed and this childhood ritual was unceremoniously dumped.
Governments across Australia outlawed private ownership of frogs and reptiles, under threat of big fines and/or jail.
None of this had anything to do with the welfare of the tadpoles and frogs or wildlife conservation in general.
In fact it was all about driving people to the government-owned zoos and natural history museums to see the frogs there instead.
That way they made more money.
Laws were changed in the 1990's to allow most Australians to be able to keep frogs as pets yet again.
Unfortunately now you need to get a license first.
No license and you are still liable to be jailed if caught!
Getting a license is easy.
Just hand over your cash and the government gives you the bit of paper.
It is that easy.
Remember it is all about money!
In some states you are allowed to keep common species of frogs without a license, but please get it right first before you launch into the path of keeping frogs without licenses.
It may end in tears!
Getting over the license hurdles and you will find frogs make amazing pets.
Some even live for decades.
Problem is that when they do get old, they often die with very little warning.
Green Tree frogs often live for many years in captivity, and strange as it may sound, it is the mangy looking individuals that often outlive their more robust looking siblings.
Specialist pet shops usually sell a selection of frogs and if their range is down, then they usually can direct you to breeders themselves.
Enjoy the journey.
