| 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.
Our work with
the Kihansi spray toad is a highlight of our conservation efforts.
The building of a dam in Tanzania virtually destroyed the habitat
of this tiny toad, and 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 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.
 |
| |
The
chytrid fungus also threatens the future of many species of amphibian
throughout Central and South America. Recently, The Toledo Zoo began
assisting a project to stem the loss of amphibian species throughout
this region. In El Valle, Panama, construction has begun on an Amphibian
Conservation Center, and a number of zoos from around the country
are participating in efforts to conserve the species of frog that
are found in that region. By bringing the threatened animals to
this 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, please click
here.
|
