Conservation
Photo: Brian Kubicki
Amphibians are dying out...
Amphibians play an essential role in the ecosystems of the world. As adults, amphibians prey on insects that can transmit diseases or feed on important crops. As tad poles, many species feed on plant material or are filter feeders that improve the health of aquatic ecosystems. Because of their semi aquatic lifestyle and permeable skin, amphibians are more sensitive to changes in the environment than any other animals. The health of their populations gives an accurate indication of the healthof the ecosystem in which they live.
Since 1970, scientists have observed abrupt population declines and entire amphibian species disappearing. These declines have spread geographically and increasing numbers of species are involved. Zoos and aquaria are now stepping in to save the amphibians short term until adequate conservation measures to secure wild populations can be developed.
Amphibian Ark
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) has joined with the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG) and the Amphibian Specialist Group (ASG) to form an Amphibian Ark (AArk). The AArk will help the ex situ community address the Amphibian Conservation Action Plan, saving as many species as possible by providing global coordination, technical guidance, training, necessary linkages to other groups, communications, and guiding publicity and capital campaigns. For more information on the Global Amphibian Extinction Crisis and the Amphibian Conservation Action Plan please refer to www.amphibianark.orgEAZA organized its own Amphibian Ark, to coordinate all actions within EAZA and its institutions. Updates from the EAZA Amphibian Ark can be found below.
 Updates EAZA Amphibian Ark |
EAZA Conservation Database
The EAZA in situ Conservation Database has been developed in order to further increase the number of conservation projects run and supported by EAZA members.
The database has been online since September 2007 and the EAZA membership was invited to update and add new information.
As per 1 March 2008 the database is undergoing a modification period. All feedback that has been received will be taken into account when updating the database. Please therefore be aware that errors may occur during login due to updating of the database.
Click on the following link to enter the database:
www.conservation-db.net
Guidelines can be downloaded here (pdf)
For questions regarding the database, please contact support@conservation-db.net