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2008: Year of the Frog

Many of you may not of realized, but 2008 is the Year of the Frog! The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has proclaimed 2008 the Year of the Frog to help promote amphibian conservation worldwide.

Our world is facing the largest mass extinction of species since the age of the dinosaurs, and most of those species are frogs and other amphibians. Currently, the World Conservation Union (IUCN) estimates that at least one third of all amphibian species are facing extinction. That is a staggering number. Think about if one third of the worlds mammals or birds disappeared and you can begin to realize the possible implications to our world.

In the past the Earth's frogs faced the dangers of habitat loss and pollution, but now there is a new challenge facing frogs: Chytridiomycosis. Chytridiomycosis is caused by the chytrid (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) fungus and it destroys the keratin in amphibian skin tissue. Most scientists believe that this interferes with amphibians' ability to perform normal respiration which leads to their death. The chytrid fungus will sweep through an area and literally destroy all of the amphibian species, and it shows no sign of slowing down in South America and Australia

While most of the affected species are located in Central and South America, there are four species in North America that are facing imminent extinction: Mississippi gopher frog (Rana sevosa), the Chiricahua leopard frog (Rana chiricahuensis), the mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana muscosa), and the Wyoming toad (Bufo baxteri).

While we may all not be able to personally go out and rescue every frog species, there are things you can do that will help. While you might not be able to do all of these things, you can try to do one or two of these:

1. Participate in frog research. You don't need a PHD or have to fly to the rainforest to help scientists study frogs; you simply have to walk out your back door. Consider participating in . Frogwatch USA is a citizen research program that monitors frog and toad populations that will lead to a better understanding of how to protect these populations. The program is managed by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS). You can register your own frogwatch site, or participate at Reinstein Nature Preserve.
2. Create an amphibian friendly habitat. Consider building a backyard pond to attract local frogs and toads, or even just provide a little help by leaving some leaf litter, rocks, logs, etc as prime frog and toad habitat.
3. Don't pollute. Amphibians are especially sensitive to pollution and poor environmental conditions. Don't litter and participate in clean-up efforts to preserve clean amphibian habitats.
4. Be a responsible pet owner. Keep your cats inside. Your frisky feline can cause untold amounts of damage to local wildlife if left to roam outside. Also, do not release your pet frog or toad outside. If you no longer can care for your pet, place it up for adoption. It's theorized that this could be a contributor to the current chytrid epidemic.
5. Visit the zoo! AZA accredited institutions (like the Buffalo Zoo). By visiting and supporting the Zoo, you are helping to support the numerous breeding and conservation efforts that the zoo and AZA are undertaking to save frogs and other animals.
6. Give money! There are several excellent organizations that are working to help amphibians. Consider donating to the AZA Amphibian Fund, Project Golden Frog, the Cryptobranchid Interest Group (CIG), or any number of other worthwhile programs.
7. Become and Amphibian Advocate. Educate yourself about the current amphibian crisis and chytrid, and then tell EVERYONE. Write your elected officials. Keep an eye on environmental legislation. Become what most people consider a "Pain in the Neck" when it comes to amphibians and the environment.

If we all do a little bit, we can have a huge positive impact on our world. While the outlook is grim, it is not hopeless and I would like to believe that with everyone's help that there is hope for amphibians out there.

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