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 Everyone knows it's not easy being green, a line made famous by our favorite frog, Kermit. In 2008, this statement is true to life for many of my amphibious friends. Amphibians, a class of vertebrate animals made up of frogs, toads, salamanders, and the lesser known caecilians, are becoming extinct at a pace never seen before. In fact, one-third to one-half of the world's 6,000 amphibian species is currently threatened with extinction and over 120 have already disappeared. You have probably already heard how habitat loss, climate change, pollution, pesticides, the introduction of non-native species and over-collection for food and pets still severely affect amphibians. You may not have heard about another big cause with a big name—Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). This is a parasitic amphibian chytrid fungus. Bd was discovered a decade ago, and since then, dozens of frog species have gone extinct because of it. It is unstoppable and untreatable in the wild and can kill 80 percent of the affected amphibian populations within months, leading to widespread amphibian extinctions. Zoos and aquariums around the globe have already taken action and contributed approximately $1.1 million to amphibian conservation and research projects in more than 20 countries. The Buffalo Zoo specifically has contributed to research in Panama, captive breeding programs and by locally surveying amphibian species. We also pay a keeper's salary in Panama at El Nispero Zoo with Cars For Conservation funds to ensure the rescued amphibians receive continuous care. So, if you park in our lot, you also help contribute to amphibian conservation!
In 2008, the Buffalo Zoo, together with Amphibian Ark, other accredited members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and other regional zoological associations, will be participating in Year of the Frog. This global effort is designed to help keep threatened amphibian species afloat.
What can you do? We have planned events throughout the year to be held here and in the field to help you better connect, gain knowledge and participate in amphibian conservation. Some events include building backyard habitats, identifying frogs and their calls in the wild, field trips to area nature sites led by Zoo staff, lectures and keeper talks on the life cycles of amphibians and our newest rainforest species. The Buffalo Zoo's kick-off event for Year of the Frog is February 23, 2008 from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. In the Reptile House, we will teach you how to build frog-friendly spaces and recommend pesticide-free products to use to make your lawn look spiffy. Cocoa and coffee will be served, and a guest speaker on local habitat restoration is in the works, too. Please join us for the kick-off and all of our Year of the Frog events! A schedule can be found on our website at www.buffalozoo.org, and flyers will be available at the Zootique gift shop.
Earth is facing the single largest mass extinction since the disappearance of dinosaurs. After thriving for over 360 million years, amphibians are now going extinct in our lifetime. They are a critical part of a healthy natural world. In addition to their intrinsic value as a beautiful part of nature, they offer many benefits to us. They play an important role in the food web as both predator and prey, maintaining the delicate balance of nature. Where they are disappearing, detrimental effects are already being documented. Amphibians eat pest insects, benefiting successful agriculture around the world and minimizing the spread of diseases, including malaria. The skin of amphibians has substances that protect them from some microbes and viruses, offering possible medical cures for a variety of human diseases, including AIDS. Biologists refer to amphibians as "the canary in the coal mine"—they are among the first species to be affected by environmental stressors, so when they show declines in the wild, it serves as a warning to other species, including humans. Frogs have had a special place in various human cultures for centuries, cherished as agents of life and good luck. I feel privileged to work with amphibians and look forward to sharing my joys with you during Year of the Frog!
Penny Danielewicz joined the Buffalo Zoo's dedicated keeper team in 2001. She cares for the Zoo's amphibians and reptiles..
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