The Year of the Frog
This leap year is the perfect time to jump into action to address threats to frogs and toads. The Amphibian Ark, a worldwide coalition of amphibian experts, has designated 2008 the Year of the Frog. The celebration is a conservation effort to raise awareness about problems that are causing declines in frog and toad populations and funds to help species that are in jeopardy.
Nearly one-third of the approximately 6,200 known species of amphibians in the world are in decline. Environmental contaminants, diseases and habitat destruction are among the problems causing the population declines. The Year of the Frog campaign will include a captive breeding program to save approximately 500 species that cannot be protected in the wild.
Celebrate the Year of the Frog by learning about the frog and toad populations in your community. Use your cell phone to help raise awareness about the Year of the Frog by downloading the MP3 files of frog calls to use as ringtones. The ringtones will make great conservation pieces.
Visit Amphibian Ark to learn more about Year of the Frog activities and how you can get involved.
