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Preventing frog extinctions
Dr Robert Browne
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Perth Zoo is supporting a major program for the conservation of frogs. Amphibians are facing great threats. About half of the 6000 frog, toad, salamander and newt species are threatened with extinction, more than 120 species have likely become extinct since 1980, and 500 amphibian species require immediate captive breeding programs and genetic resource banking to stave off extinction.
Many factors behind the extinction of frogs are still not well understood. However, it is known today that, in some parts of the world, there is a fungus causing the quick extinction of every amphibian species throughout the range. Experts are convinced that, in many cases, the only solution is to conserve them in zoos and aquariums with the hope that the species can be reintroduced to the wild at a later stage. This will require a massive coordinated effort, but it is a key solution in addressing the global amphibian extinction crisis. |
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Image by Jane Davenport |
A resolution calling on all zoos and aquariums to respond to the global extinction crisis facing the world's frogs and other amphibians was adopted by The World Zoo and Aquarium Association in 2005. This is part of a wider approach led by IUCN - The World Conservation Union, which encompasses also conservation measures in the field. |
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Image by Jane Davenport |
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With a view to galvanising coordinated action by zoos and aquariums, experts of the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group of the World Conservation Union, representatives of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and other stakeholders met to discuss how a global action plan should be implemented. They recommended criteria for prioritizing species, best practices for breeding facilities, a de-centralized approach with multiple breeding facilities. |
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| The plight of amphibians is indicative of the general collapse of the planets ecosystems. The future is not just grim for amphibians but for another species, humanity, if pressure to practice sustainability is not immediately placed on all governments, governing bodies such as councils and regulatory authorities. Many of these institutions do not even implement the inadequate current environmental regulations. For global survival they must introduce appropriate regulations for sustainability and the legal means to enforce them. |
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Although captive breeding programs are needed for amphibians and many other species these must be coupled with programs for genetic resource banking.
The cryopreservation of sperm guarantees the long term preservation of the natural diversity of species. This diversity is soon lost in captivity unless very large numbers of animals are housed. The housing of even the current number of threatened amphibian species in captive breeding programs is proving difficult. The expected number and difficulty in the future can only increase in the short term.
Playing a leading role in amphibian conservation, Perth Zoo,has established a Frog Breeding and Research Program to focus on captive breeding and genetic resource banking research. The species included in conservation programs in Western Australia include the critically endangered White-bellied Frog Geocrinia alba and the vulnerable Sunset |
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Image by Jane Davenport |
Frog Spicospina flammocaerulea and Orange-bellied Frog Geocrinia vitellina.
Perth Zoo has a stunning 'Frogology' photographic exhibition by Jane Davenport on display from April 1 through until the end of June 2007. Jane says "I simply don't want to live in a world without frogs." Frogology aims to inspire thousands and eventually millions of 'Frogologists' to take up the challenge to treat the earth gently and encourage people to discover what they can do to preserve our precious frogs. Visit the photography exhibition in the Rainforest Retreat at Perth Zoo and become a 'Frogologist'. |
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You can support Perth Zoo by making a donation. Call (08) 9474 0350.
www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au/Get-Involved/Make-a-Donation/ |
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© Eco Voice 2006. All material subject to copyright. No part of this website may be reproduced without the written permission of the authors of the articles, photographers and their organisations in conjunction with Eco Voice. Opinions published in this paper are not necessarily those of Eco Voice. Whilst care is taken in selecting published material, the publisher accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any published material. |
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