2008 is Year of The Frog!

The World Conservation Union (IUCN) estimates that at least one-third of known amphibian species are threatened with extinction. Denver Zoo joins the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and organizations around the world in fighting the amphibian extinction crisis by spreading awareness of the issue and sharing ways to help frogs and their friends right here in Colorado.

What is causing amphibians to go extinct?
While the major culprit has historically been habitat loss, many of the declines and extinctions are now being attributed to the rapidly dispersing infectious disease chytridiomycosis (called chytrid for short).  The combined effect of habitat destruction, climate change, pollution and chytrid cannot be addressed solely in the wild. Captive assurance populations have become the only hope for many species faced with imminent extinction and are an important component of an integrated conservation effort. AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, with their demonstrated expertise in endangered species breeding programs, have been called upon to meet this conservation challenge.

The IUCN has classified four amphibians in the U.S. to be critically endangered, the Mississippi gopher frog, the Chiricahua leopard frog, the mountain yellow-legged frog and the Wyoming toad. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has listed 37 amphibian species under the Endangered Species Act. AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums may be the only hope for survival for these native species as well as amphibians around the world.

Conservation Work in the Wild (In-Situ):

• Lake Titicaca Frog Project:
  One of Denver Zoo’s newest conservation projects focuses on the Lake Titicaca frog, located on the border of Bolivia and Peru. Due to the superstitious beliefs that these frogs have medicinal and aphrodisiac properties, the main threat to this critically endangered species is human consumption. It’s estimated that 150 Lake Titicaca frogs are killed unnecessarily every day for human consumption! In October of 2007, Denver Zoo sent a zookeeper to work with staff at the University of Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Lima on developing a conservation program and setting up a holding facility for confiscated Lake Titicaca frogs. It is hoped that the university can maintain frogs to help them better understand this frog’s ecology.  Denver Zoo staff continues to assist the university in maintaining the frog haven and hopes to assist two local zoos in Lima, to establish frog displays and holding tanks, in hopes of enlightening the locals on the plight of the Lake Titicaca frog.
• Leopard Frog Project in New Mexico:
  This year Denver Zoo staff will also be embarking on a project in New Mexico to investigate the feasibility of reintroducing leopard frogs and canyon tree frogs into a conservation property managed by the Wind River Ranch Foundation. Leopard frogs are threatened by pollution and deforestation and are on IUCN’s list of threatened species
• Project Golden Frog
  This project strives to conserve golden frogs, which are believed to be extinct in the wild, through education and captive breeding. Denver Zoo staff has visited Panama several times to help develop a conservation center to support this valuable species as well as other amphibians. These same staff members oversee the captive breeding of golden frogs inside the zoo’s Tropical Discovery building.

What can I do to help?
Top 8 Things You Can Do in 2008 to Help Amphibians:

• Visit AZA-accredited institutions, like Denver Zoo! Every time you visit you help animals.
  AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are helping to save frogs and other amphibians through breeding programs and by providing support for field conservation.  They are also some of the best places to see and learn about amphibians from around the world.
• Look, listen, and learn: educate yourself and your family about amphibians.
  With almost 6,000 frogs, toads, newts, salamanders and caecilians (legless tropical amphibians) worldwide, there’s a lot to learn. Pick up a book, hop around the Internet, or watch your favorite animal television show to educate yourself and your family about amphibians.
• Create amphibian friendly environments by providing clean water, hiding places and insects to eat.
  Prime amphibian real estate includes leaf litter, rocks, logs, and a source of water - backyard ponds make a great family project!
• Don’t pollute.
  Do your part to keep garbage, chemicals and non-native plants and animals out of the natural environment. Amphibians absorb chemicals through their skin easily and are sensitive to competition and becoming prey to non-native species.
• Be a responsible pet owner.
  Discourage your canine and feline family members from pestering wildlife, especially amphibians and birds. Curious cats and digging dogs cause a lot of stress for frightened amphibians. If you or your pet encounters an amphibian, study, look, listen, and then leave it where it is.
• Conserve water at home, school, and work.
  The water you save now remains a clean habitat for wild amphibians without being chemically treated.
• Reduce the use of fossil fuels, such as oil, coal and natural gas.
  Climate change is impacting amphibian populations worldwide. By using less energy or choosing renewable sources of energy, you can help slow the rate of climate change.  Drive less, buy fuel-efficient cars, and use compact fluorescent light bulbs!
• Be an amphibian champion.
  Donate to wildlife conservation programs. Participate in citizen-science monitoring programs with your family. Be aware of legislation affecting wildlife and their habitat, global warming, and land use/development issues. 

To learn more and to pledge to be a Friend to Frogs, visit www.yearofthefrog.org.