<b>Supporting the Year of the Frog</b>
Did you know that 2008 is the Year of the Frog? Did you know there are ways you can help save frogs and other amphibians? At the Trevor Zoo we are committed to doing what we can for the frogs and other amphibians that are facing extinction.
About one third of the 6317 amphibian species (frogs, toads, salamanders and caecilians) are threatened with extinction. AZA Zoos and Aquariums are launching a major conservation effort to address the amphibian extinction crisis.
The IUCN has classified these four amphibians in the U.S. to be critically endangered:
Mississippi gopher frog
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The IUCN has classified these four amphibians in the U.S. to be critically endangered:
Mississippi gopher frog
Mountain yellow-legged frog
Wyoming toad
What has caused this rapid and severe decline of amphibians? The combined effect of:
- habitat loss and fragmentation
- chemical pollution
- chytrid fungus infection
- invasive species
- climate change
Why are amphibians important?
- Amphibians are a vital part of the food chain and an important component of healthy ecosystems.
- Amphibians are indicators of environmental health.
- Amphibians are fascinating and beautiful animals, an irreplaceable part of the Earth's underpinning biodiversity.
AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums offer hope for amphibians through captive breeding programs and field conservation. You, too, can help amphibians:
- Read the "Top 8 in '08: Ways to Help Frogs" Guide from the AZA.
- Buy a Trevor Zoo t-shirt and support the work of this AZA-accredited zoo.
- Visit the Trevor Zoo's new display in our Education Building about the amphibian crisis; sign a petition to protect amphibians and take some educational handouts.
To learn more about the Year of the Frog, what zoos are doing to protect them, and what you can do to help, visit the AZA's Year of the Frog website.
