Global Year of the Frog

KIM HELFRICH

JOHANNESBURG – The International Year of the Frog was launched in appropriate fashion – by a mass leapfrog event at the National Zoo in Pretoria.

The global conservation community has dedicated this year (2008) to creating awareness of the international amphibian crisis.

More than 17% of frogs found in Lesotho, South Africa and Swaziland are threatened, according to the Red Data Book. Four species are critically endangered, eight are endangered and eight are vulnerable. A further five species are near threatened and the status of another eight is “data deficient” as little is known about them.

This situation parallels the situation internationally as frogs are threatened by a parasitic fungus, habitat loss, climate change, pollution and pesticides.

In response the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria along with the World Conservation Union’s Species Survival Commission formed Amphibian Ark.

The Ark will assist zoos and other participating institutions to save as many amphibian species as possible.