Search for Endangered Frogs
| Additional Frog Information Types of Frogs Amphibia |
August marks the beginning of a world wide hunt for endangered frogs, and Conservation International (CI), invites the public to join the search.
The search continues the efforts the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Amphibian Specialist Group (ASG) to document and assess the state of the world's amphibian population.
To date, their research shows stress on amphibian populations, with one-third of the species in danger of extinction. These population declines can be slow and steady due to habitat loss, while other frog populations suffer rapid decline due to outbreaks of the Chytrid Fungus.
In relative terms, the United States frog population has thus far been spared from these dramatic declines, with only ten per cent, or nine of the ninety native species listed as either threatened or endangered.
Search participants hope to discover frog species not seen for a decade, and possibly on the verge of extinction. The recent discovery of the once thought extinct, yellow spotted bell frog in Australia provides hope that, with some effort, additional species can be found.
According to CI, "experts will visit 15 countries spanning Asia, Africa and Latin America in search of around 30 species whose whereabouts are currently unknown."
A quick hope to the web site shows they offer a variety of ways for professionals and frog enthusiasts to contribute to the adventure. The site also provides interesting fun facts such as, "Spadefoot toads smell like peanut butter".
© 2010 Patricia A. Michaels