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Endangered Frogs Find Their Noah

Amphibian Ark project aims to save 500 imperiled species

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted May 12, 2008 3:33 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Half of all frog species are in danger of extinction, and conservationists are taking a page from the Bible in working to preserve them. A program called Amphibian Ark has named 2008 the Year of the Frog, and is working with zoos to harbor endangered species, including some that have vanished from the wild. The goal is to breed enough to revitalize the populations, reports the Washington Post.

"In terms of scope, I think this is the biggest conservation project that humanity has ever tried to tackle," said Amphibian Ark's director. The frogs, and their toad and salamander cousins, face myriad perils: climate change, destruction or splitting of their habitats, poisoning from pesticides in runoff water, and a skin fungus that interferes with their breathing.

Amphibians like the red eyed tree frog are in decline because of many factors including climate change, toxins in their environment, and plagues of crippling disease.
Amphibians like the red eyed tree frog are in decline because of many factors including climate change, toxins in their environment, and plagues of crippling disease.   (AP Photo/WCS, Julie Larsen Maher)
A gray tree frog, which is native to Houston, is seen at the Houston Zoo on Friday, Feb. 8, 2008. More US and world zoos are taking on more frogs, worried that wild populations are dying out.
A gray tree frog, which is native to Houston, is seen at the Houston Zoo on Friday, Feb. 8, 2008. More US and world zoos are taking on more frogs, worried that wild populations are dying out.   (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Julio Cortez)
The Amphibian Ark project has named 2008 the Year of the Frog to help raise awareness of the plight of thousands of amphibian species.
The Amphibian Ark project has named 2008 the Year of the Frog to help raise awareness of the plight of thousands of amphibian species.   (Getty Images)
Across the US, 50 zoos are caring for 2000 species of amphibians. If some of those go extinct in the wild, which looks likely, zoos could eventually try to reintroduce them to their old habitats.
Across the US, 50 zoos are caring for 2000 species of amphibians. If some of those go extinct in the wild, which looks likely, zoos could eventually try to reintroduce them to their old habitats.   ((c) AlphaTangoBravo / Adam Baker)
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Taking care of tiny Kihansi toads
Wildlife Conservation Society

Amphibian Ark homepage
Amphibian Ark

How you can save frogs
iBerkshires.com

 
endangered species • zoo • extinction • frogs • amphibians • habitat

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