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The Amphibian Crisis
In recent years, dozens of species of amphibians have vanished—believed
to be extinct—and hundreds more species are expected
to become extinct in the next decade. From loss of habitat
through deforestation to the arrival of a deadly fungus, amphibian
wildlife is in a state of crisis. As part of its overall commitment
to conservation, The Toledo Zoo is dedicated to stem the loss
of amphibian species throughout the world.
- 8 Ways to Help Frogs (provided by Association of Zoos and Aquariums)
- Give to our Conservation
Today program, which uses your funds for special
programs that help endangered animals, including amphibians.
- Visit Amphibian
Ark for more information on how you can help.
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Kihansi spray toad
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Our work with the Kihansi spray
toad is a highlight of our conservation efforts. This tiny
toad is believed to be extinct in the wild. In an effort to
save them, about 500 specimens were transferred to a handful
of zoos around the U.S. While the populations foundered at
most other zoos, The Toledo Zoo and the Bronx Zoo are happy
to report that their populations are flourishing. Through
these recovery efforts, we now have reason to be optimistic
about the future of this unique species. The spray toad is
expected to be reintroduced into its native habitat soon.
The Toledo Zoo is currently
the only place where the Kihansi spray toad is on exhibit.
You can visit them in Amazing Amphibians, located
in the Museum of Science.
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The Toledo Zoo also participates in Species Survival Plans (SSPs) to help ensure the future of the Wyoming toad and the Puerto Rican crested toad. SSPs are cooperative breeding and conservation programs recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that are crucial to protecting species whose existence in the wild is threatened or endangered. The Puerto Rican crested toad is threatened as its habitat is lost to development and it faces increased competition for food, and the Wyoming toad is endangered due to habitat loss and susceptibility to the chytrid fungus. |
Puerto Rican crested toad
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The chytrid fungus also threatens the future
of many species of amphibian throughout Central and South
America. The Toledo Zoo is assisting in a project to stem
the loss of amphibian species throughout this region. In El
Valle, Panama, a number of U.S. zoosare participating in efforts
to conserve the species of frogs that are found in that region.
By bringing the threatened animals to an Amphibian Conservation
Center, we can keep them from harm, releasing them back into
the wild once the fungus has subsided.
The Toledo Zoo encourages you to help stop this amphibian crisis, through donations or by contributing to the Coins for Conservation fountain at Westfield Franklin Park. A little change can make a big change for amphibians!
For more information, visit Amphibian
Ark .
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