Survivors...But for How Long?
Did you know that after thriving for over 360 million years, over one-third of the world’s approximately 6,000 known amphibian species could go extinct in our lifetime?
Habitat loss, pollution, and a frighteningly fast-moving fungus are combining to wipe out frogs, toads, and salamanders at a rate not seen since the dinosaur age.
That's why the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums—as well as regional zoo associations, such as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in the United States—have joined forces to dedicate 2008 as the Year of the Frog.
The Year of the Frog campaign focuses on setting up conservation programs specific to the most imperiled amphibian species and promoting public awareness of amphibians and the threats they face.
A Lot of Knowledge Goes a Long Way
The Chicago Zoological Society is contributing some serious expertise to the campaign.
Dr. George Rabb, President Emeritus of the Chicago Zoological Society, convened a task force in 1990 to examine the extent of amphibian decline. Since then, Dr. Rabb and Brookfield Zoo have been striving to tell the scientific community how zoos and aquariums can help.
Chicago Zoological Society population biologist Dr. Robert Lacy is another internationally known leader who creates global links between zoos, aquariums, and the world’s conservation groups. His pioneering work in species management has led to international conservation programs such as the Amphibian Ark.
The Amphibian Ark is a partnership of global conservation agencies dedicated to saving hundreds of amphibian species from extinction. The Ark’s mission is to rescue amphibians that cannot be safeguarded in nature from the chytrid fungus by placing hundreds of amphibian species in breeding colonies in bio-protected facilities.
The Society is also partially funding the position of Dr. Kevin Zippel, the program officer for Amphibian Ark. Dr. Zippel previously served as curator of the National Amphibian Conservation Center at the Detroit Zoo and as project coordinator for Project Golden Frog, a multi-institution initiative to save the Panamanian golden frog from extinction.
Hop in to Help
Want to get more of the picture on frogs? You can get involved to learn more about a wide range of amphibian species and to discover simple but essential ways you can help protect amphibians at home and around the globe.
Start by heading to Feathers and Scales or Discovery Center at Brookfield Zoo to see a full display of photos and maps on the worldwide amphibians.
- Check out our tips on How to Be a Frog Fan, or the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ “Top 8 in 08—Ways to Help Frogs” List.
- Find out how you can use natural pest-control methods to help out frogs in your backyard.
- Become a frog watcher. Visit the National Wildlife Federation Web site to find out more about Frogwatch USA, a program that allows you to collect and report essential information related to frog and toad preservation—in as little as 20 minutes a week.
- Visit the Amphibian Ark Web site for more information on the dangers that amphibian species face, and how you can help.