Year of the Frog

Holly Braithwaite, from the Hogle Zoo stopped in to explain what is happening to frogs, and how we can help save the frogs from extinction.

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Top 8 in ‘08: Ways to Help Frogs

Frogs are going extinct. So are toads, salamanders, newts, and the intriguingly unusual caecilians. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is highlighting 2008 as the Year of the Frog to mark a major conservation effort to address the amphibian extinction crisis. Help your visitors understand all these ways that they can be a friend to frogs.

Look, listen, and learn: educate yourself and your family about amphibians.

With more than 6,000 frogs, toads, newts, salamanders, and caecilians worldwide, there’s a lot to learn.
Pick up a book, hop around the Internet, or watch your favorite animal television show to educate yourself
and your family about amphibians.

Visit an Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited institution near you and
experience your very own amphibian adventure!


AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are helping to save frogs and other amphibians through breeding
programs and by providing support for field conservation. They are also some of the best places to see
and learn about amphibians from around the world. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or
aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting an institution dedicated to providing excellent care for
animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things.

Create amphibian friendly environments by providing clean water, hiding places,
and insects to eat.


Prime amphibian real estate includes leaf litter, rocks, logs, and a source of water – backyard ponds make a
great family project!

Don’t pollute.

Do your part to keep garbage, chemicals, and non-native plants and animals out of the natural
environment. Amphibians absorb chemicals through their skin easily. They also fall prey to non-native
species.

Be a responsible pet owner.

Discourage your canine and feline family members from pestering wildlife, especially amphibians and birds.
Curious cats and digging dogs cause a lot of stress for frightened amphibians. If you or your pet encounter
an amphibian, study, look, listen, and then leave it where it is.

Conserve water at home, school, and work.

Save water by using collected rainwater for watering gardens and potted plants. The water you save now
remains a clean habitat for wild amphibians without being chemically treated.

Reduce the use of fossil fuels, such as oil, coal and natural gas.

Climate change is impacting amphibian populations worldwide. By using less energy or choosing
renewable sources of energy, you can help slow the rate of climate change. Drive less, buy fuel-efficient
cars, and use compact fluorescent light bulbs!

Be an amphibian champion.

Donate to wildlife conservation programs, such as the AZA Amphibian Fund. Participate in citizen-science
monitoring programs with your family. Be aware of legislation affecting wildlife and their habitat, global
warming, and land use and development issues.

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To learn more and to pledge to be a Friend to Frogs, visit www.yearofthefrog.org

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