(Not) A Froggy Future?

 Have you ever thought what its like to see a species die out? Then what about an entire class of animal? We never saw, nor understood exactly the extinction of the dinosaurs, and the extinction of other animals have only been as species, more often then not already dwindling in number and reclusive in habitat. However amphibians are facing this surreal threat right now and there is a real possibility that there will no longer be frogs in our future if immediate action is not taken. For this purpose the Amphibian Ark Project was founded. 

Save Me!

Though some may disregard our friends the amphibians, they nevertheless are an invaluable part of the world's ecosystems and an overall benefit to humankind. Though any creature could be argued to be important to the world (and rightfully so), amphibians act as the messengers from earth to us. Through the observation of frogs we understand the health of their ecosystems, and through the study of their numerous unique traits we find cures to our own ailments. It is now our turn to give back for what we've got.

I'm endangered!

The amphibian population has been on a decline for some time now. Pollution, global warming and human impediment on their habitats have already taken a serious toll. Frogs in particular are suffering, having lost an estimated 170 species in the last 10 years alone, with another 1,900 in a threatened state (meaning extinction is imminent). That's 30% of ~6000 amphibian species that are threatened with extinction. There are another 6% (~400) known to be near threatened and 25% (~1600) are lacking data to make suitable estimates.

 

I'd heard Fred had croaked...

Not only is human encroachment cutting the numbers of our amphibious friends, but teaming with us to make a deadly pair is chytrid fungus. Chytrid fungus feeds off of keratin, a component of skin that makes it tough. Frogs develop this keratin on the soles of their feet and lower abdomen, any place that requires the extra strength. The fungus grows on this keratin and kills the frogs, though how is still under investigation. Researchers believe that about a third of the frogs in the world may face extinction due to chytrid fungus. Sadly, there is no effective treatment of the fungus, so researchers around the world are trying to quarantine as many frog species as possible. One such quarantine facility is the Amphibian Ark project.

Swabbing to safety.

The Amphibian Ark was made when the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums joined with 2 IUCN Species Survival Commission branches – the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group and the Amphibian Specialist Group. Since 2006 the Amphibian Ark has been helping the ex situ community to address the components of the Amphibian Conservation Action Plan, saving as many species as possible by providing global coordination, technical guidance, training, communications, publicity and capital campaigns. Working as a unifying grounds for the ongoing survival of amphibians, the Amphibian Ark is working hard for the world’s amphibians to be safe.

I've commented on:
-Jeefchan's humble giants
-Brian's brown snakes

Sources

• "Amphibian Ark: Keeping threatened amphibian species afloat." Amphibian Ark Project. http://www.amphibianark.org/?lang=en

• "Save The Frogs: A Non-profit Organization Dedicated to Amphibian Conservation" Save The Frogs. http://www.savethefrogs.com/why-frogs/index.html

• "Are Frogs on the Brink of Extinction?" How Stuff Works. http://animals.howstuffworks.com/endangered-species/frog-extinction.htm

 

• Turner, Dorie."'Amphibian Ark's Planned to Save Frogs." USA Today. Feb. 15, 2007. http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2007-02-15-amphibian-ark_x.htm

• Hermann, Andrew. "Zoos jump to save frogs." Chicago Sun-Times. Feb. 16, 2007. http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/260164,CST-NWS-frog16.article