Frogs have been on Earth for millions of years, but many are now listed as endangered. The last two decades have taken quite a toll on the amphibians. AmphibiaWeb states, “nearly 168 species are believed to have gone extinct and at least 2,469 (43%) more have populations that are declining.”
They are an important part of our ecosystem and that is why ecologist Dr. Kerry Kriger started the SAVE THE FROGS! charity in 2008. A year later he founded Save the Frogs Day which takes place every year on April 28.
Frogs devour massive amounts of pesky mosquitos and other insects and fill the night air with their croaks and chirps. Sadly, these unique amphibians are facing extinction.
“Nearly one-third of the world’s amphibian species are threatened with extinction,” according to SAVE THE FROGS!.
Habitat loss is the greatest threat to amphibians and many other animal species. Deforestation impacts animals big and small.
Other threats endangering amphibians are pollution, disease, pesticides, and climate change. AmphibiaWeb goes into detail about two major threats. “The causes for recent amphibian declines are many, but an emerging disease called chytridiomycosis and global climate change are thought the be the biggest threats to amphibians.
Chytridiomycosis is a disease caused by the fungal chytrid pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. This pathogen is associated with the global loss of hundreds of species of amphibians and represents a spectacular loss of biodiversity, some say the worst in recorded history.”
Dr. Kriger wants to protect and preserve frogs and other amphibians, so he is educating people of all ages on their importance and plight. SAVE THE FROGS! website is a treasure trove of information with tons of articles and ways to get involved.
Staff and volunteers with the nonprofit have held over 1,500 educational events in more than 58 countries to help save frogs and amphibians from extinction.
This article by Andrea Powell was first published by The Animal Rescue Site. Lead Image: PIXABAY.
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Fighting for Wildlife supports approved wildlife conservation organizations, which spend at least 80 percent of the money they raise on actual fieldwork, rather than administration and fundraising. When making a donation you can designate for which type of initiative it should be used – wildlife, oceans, forests or climate.
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