The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is set to make a 50,000 contribution to a Bermudian amphibian research project, in hopes of detecting environmental dangers early at a global level.

The amphibian deformity project was selected by the FCO's Environmental Fund, whose contribution will be covering 40 percent of the project's costs.

The research project will explore the links between environmental contaminants and deformities arising in Bermuda's frogs, toads, and other amphibians. The project's findings may also illuminate any potential health implications for humans from the contamination.

The FCO is especially interested in how the project's findings may help with bio-diversity conservation in other densely populated jurisdictions, like Bermuda.

"The international scientific community has expressed great concern over the plight of amphibians, fearing that deformities and declines in abundance of these sensitive organisms are early warning of significant environmental threat," said Carl Malin, a visiting FCO official.

This project will explore these issues and highlight potential implications for human health and long-term sustainability of the environment whilst contributing to efforts to inform people about important environmental issues."

Dr. Jamie Bacon, who is the principal investigator in the amphibian deformity project, has been busy, not only with his research, but also introducing Bermuda's school students to his 'friend' who he calls 'Front Page Freddy', a five legged toad which was featured in an April, 2002 Royal Gazette story.

Along with some other deformed but otherwise healthy toads, Freddy acts as an ambassador to promote environmental awareness among Bermuda's youth.

"This outreach has served to not only raise awareness about environmental issues, but has also dispelled many myths about the threats that toads pose to humans," said Dr. Bacon

Upon meeting the famous Freddy, the normally reserved Mr. Malin said: "Wow! that reminds of the three-eyed fish on the Simpsons. That certainly is an image that will remain with me!"

As shocking as he may be, the FCO is banking on Freddy's contribution to helping build a greater global understanding of environmental preservation.