AArk Newsletter No. 7, June 2009

The Amphibian Ark team is pleased to send you the latest edition of our e- newsletter. We hope you enjoy reading it.

News Meet the AArk crew! Meet the AArk crew! Kevin Zippel, Amphibian Program Director, Amphibian Ark In this newsletter, we thought you might be interested in meeting some of the AArk Partnering to save a staff, the “ship’s crew” that works to raise awareness, build partnerships and species: The Amphibian capacity, develop guidelines and standards, and prioritize actions…essentially Project Team experience trying to coordinate the efforts of those rowing the boat so that we are all moving efficiently in the same direction. Amphibian Ark Seed Grant Read More >> announcement Partnering to save a species: The Amphibian Project Amphibian Ark husbandry Team experience workshop at Zoo Negara, Carol Rizkalla, Wildlife Biologist, Disney's Animal Kingdom Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders (EWCL) is a two-year program designed to provide participants with the experience of implementing a conservation project, New partnership to save and seeing it to completion. threatened Panamanian Read More >> amphibians Amphibian Ark Seed Grant announcement The monitoring of Kevin Zippel, Amphibian Program Director, Amphibian Ark Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Amphibian Ark is pleased to announce the winners of the new Seed Grant in ex situ and in situ African program. This $5,000 competitive grant is designed to fund small start-up projects amphibians that are in need of seed money in order to build successful long-term programs that attract larger funding. We would like to acknowledge the generous support of Bolivian amphibian course the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Sabin Conservation Fund in establishing “Conservación de la these grants. Biodiversidad de Anfíbios” Read More >>

My journey to the home of Amphibian Ark husbandry workshop at Zoo Negara, the Critically Endangered Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Costa Rican Green-Eyed Frog Ron Gagliardo, Training Officer, Amphibian Ark and Dr. Brad Wilson, Veterinarian Regional update from Following on from an initial amphibian husbandry workshop in Malaysia in early AMACZOOA 2008, Amphibian Ark staff worked with Zoo Negara staff to hold a more intensive workshop in June this year.

ARAZPA update Read More >>

Swedish toad chorus New partnership to save threatened Panamanian croaks to glory amphibians Brian Gratwicke, Biologist, National Zoo, Washington DC National Zoo biologist Brian Gratwicke talks about the newly-formed Panama South Asian Amphibian Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project www.amphibianrescue.org. This Ark activities project will help expand our capacity to conserve the incredible biodiversity of amphibians in Panama that are threatened with extinction from the advancing wave Jumping In To Make a of chytridiomycosis. Difference, Part 2 Read More >>

The Bloomin Bog The monitoring of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in ex situ and in situ African amphibians Desire Dalton, National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria, Antoinette Kotze1, Genetics Department, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, and Dave Morgan, African Association for Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZAB), Pretoria A new research building has recently been completed at the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, which has fully equipped laboratories where e ex situ and in situ molecular genetic research is conducted and services are rendered to the Sent to you courtesy of: conservation community. The AArk Team Read More >>

Kevin Zippel [email protected] Bolivian amphibian course “Conservación de la Program Director Biodiversidad de Anfíbios” Cybele Sabino Lisboa, Biologist aa‚¬“ Fundação Parque Zoológico de São Paulo Kevin Johnson Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust supported by Museo de Historia Natural Alcide [email protected] d’Orbigny and ALPZA organized a course entitled “Conservación de la Taxon Officer Biodiversidad de Anfíbios”, from 12-18 February, 2009 in Copacabana, Bolívia. The program was based on three main issues: understanding the decline of Richard Gibson amphibians, learning to prioritize and plan actions and learning how to monitor and [email protected] manage amphibian populations. Taxon Officer Read More >>

Robert Browne [email protected] My journey to the home of the Critically Endangered Research Officer Costa Rican Green-Eyed Frog Douglas Sherriff, Specialist Keeper, Herpetology, Chester Zoo Ron Gagliardo Chester Zoo has the only conservation-breeding population of the Costa Rican, [email protected] Green-eyed Frog and maintains them in one of its dedicated bio-secure units, Training Officer known as Amphibian PODs. This article first appeared in Z Magazine e – the official magazine of Chester Zoo Members and Adopters, Summer 2009 To forward your copy of this issue to a friend, Click here Read More >>

Vist our Website. Regional update from AMACZOOA If this email does not appear Yolanda Matamoros, President of the Mesoamerican Association of Zoos correctly Click Here to receive Yolanda Matamoros outlines four activities that AMACZOOA has been involved in the text-only version of this during the last few months. newsletter Read More >> Previous Editions Click here ARAZPA update Compiled by Kevin Johnson, ARAZPA Two ARAZPA member institutions continue to be heavily involved with Corroboree Frog conservation programs. Michael McFadden from Taronga Zoo and Carly Humphrys from Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve report on their respective institution's progress. Read More >> Swedish toad chorus croaks to glory Dr. Claes Andrén, Scientific Director, Nordens Ark, Maria Andrén, Sound Engineer, Andrén Sound Enterprice, Sweden, and Dr. Lena M Lindén, CEO, Nordens Ark In 2009 the German coordinator of the Bombina LIFE project decided to repeat the successful 2007 song festival for toads, and this was held on 10th of May, a week before the human Eurovison Song Contest in Moscow, Russia. Read More >>

South Asian Amphibian Ark activities ZOO, WILD, South Asian Amphibian Network, CBSG South Asia, South Asian Network of IZE Various organisations in South Asia have been continuing their tireless efforts in raising awareness about the amphibian crisis. These are some of the events that the groups have been involved in recently. Read More >>

Jumping In To Make a Difference, Part 2 Linda Gordon and Carolyn Carlson's Second Grade Classes, Tremont School, Columbus, Ohio Second-grade students from Tremont Elementary School in Arlington Ohio continue to raise funds for the Amphibian Ark. Their ongoing efforts represent a significant effort towards helping to save amphibians. Read More >>

The Bloomin Bog Isa Webb, Partner, The Bloomin Bog Staff and management of a water garden business in Canada become involved in the Year of the Frog activities in a number of ways. Isa Webb from the Bloomin Bog talks about the projects they became involved in. Read More >>

Meet the AArk crew! Kevin Zippel, Amphibian Program Director, Amphibian Ark

The Amphibian Ark is a global network of partners including everyone using captive management as a conservation tool for amphibians, those who support them, and anyone who is trying to raise awareness about the crisis. The keepers looking after the daily needs of the amphibians, the docents engaging and inspiring the public, and the biologists in the field assessing wild populations and gleaning vital natural history data are examples of AArk partners who row the oars that propel the AArk through rough seas. We strive to capture your stories in our newsletter so that all partners around the world can be inspired by your ongoing heroic efforts, and we will continue to do so, so please send any newsworthy items and photos to [email protected].

Hopefully you have all had the chance to get to know the AArk officers, either in person or online at http://www.amphibianark.org/staff.htm. Today I would like to introduce you to the Amphibian Ark’s Executive Committee, which comprises representation from each of the three parent organizations: the IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG), the IUCN/SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (ASG), and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

At the inception of the AArk, CBSG was represented by its Chair Bob Lacy, who was pivotal in securing the vital resources to launch the dingy that would become the global AArk, as well as helping to establish the organization, mission, and constitution. After his tenure on the AArk Executive Committee, Bob was also a key player in the development of our Amphibian Population Management Guidelines. Bob was succeeded by Jeffrey Bonner, who (with Lesley Dickie) oversaw the planning and launch of the 2008 Year of the Frog publicity campaign. Jeffrey has also been active in lobbying for amphibian support on Capital Hill, in addition to his exemplary institutional work in St. Louis with hellbenders and supporting the Balsa de los Sapos program in Ecuador. Currently, CBSG is represented on the AArk by Lena Linden. Lena leads Nordens Ark in their model conservation programs for green, fire-bellied, and Natterjack toads in Sweden. In addition, CBSG Executive Director Onnie Byers has dedicated countless hours, immeasurable positive energy, and flawless financial management to the AArk since Day 1. And finally, CBSG has donated administrative assistance to the AArk through approximately half of Elizabeth Townsend’s time.

The Amphibian Specialist Group was originally represented by Joe Mendelson, who served as the interim director of ASG at the time. Joe brought a profound understanding of the Amphibian Conservation Action Plan and the necessary role of the ex situ community therein. Joe still serves the AArk Executive Committee as a scientific advisor, but Don Church now represents ASG. Don has been a key player in ASG’s efforts to cover the in situ conservation aspects of the ACAP. He has also been important in sharing GAA data with us for our prioritization workshops, and we hope to work together to merge GAA/Red List update and AArk prioritization workshops in the near future.

Karen Sausman represented WAZA on the AArk’s inaugural Executive Committee. With Bob Lacy, she helped design the organization of the AArk and was a key player in getting other institutions to commit to the AArk concept, programmatically and financially. Karen was followed by Gordon McGregor Reid, who currently chairs the AArk Executive Committee. Gordon also directs the Chester Zoo, with their model program for Morelet’s leaffrog, donation of part of Taxon Officer Richard Gibson’s precious time, and ongoing significant financial support of AArk core operations.

Our deepest gratitude goes out to those who have donated so much of their time and energy to enable the AArk to do all that it does.

We look forward to introducing the diverse members of the AArk’s Steering Committee in future newsletters.

Return to Article Index

Partnering to save a species: The Amphibian Project Team experience Carol Rizkalla, Wildlife Biologist, Disney's Animal Kingdom

Through the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders program, five young professionals from the private, public and non- profit sectors (the author, Payal Kapoor, Jennifer Sevin, Scott Smith, and Aimee Weldon) were brought together as the Amphibian Project Team (APT) in April 2007. The team was tasked with working with the Amphibian Ark in their efforts to save the world’s 500 most endangered amphibians.

APT designed its conservation project around raising awareness about the amphibian extinction crisis and raising funds for one range-country institution to develop an ex situ conservation program for a critically endangered species. The hope was that the project would serve as an example on how AZA institutions and range- country institutions could partner to achieve the goals of Amphibian Ark.

APT solicited proposals through the Latin American and Meso American Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Many factors were considered in the evaluation of the twelve submitted proposals including the status of the species, plans to conduct research and education, and the capacity to meet biosecurity standards. Ultimately, APT selected Africam Safari - a zoo in Puebla, Mexico, Above: The Amphibian Project Team (APT). that proposed a multifaceted approach to saving the Large-crested Below: The APT worked with Africam Safari to help Toad (Ollotis cristata). Elements of the project included creating a save the Large-crested Toad (Ollotis cristata). captive assurance colony for the critically endangered toad, working Photos: Carol Rizkalla. with nonprofit and academic partners to restore its habitat, monitoring chytrid prevalence in wild amphibian populations, and conducting education programs in the two localities where Large- crested Toad populations had last been seen in 1998. To fully fund Africam’s project, APT needed to raise $46,000, which seemed a lofty goal, until you consider it is the cost of keeping a species in existence.

The APT team created a website, (www.helpafrog.org) that provided information and links related to the Amphibian Ark project, the amphibian crisis, the EWCL program and the APT project. In addition, APT scoured the internet for the best amphibian-related curricula and created an education toolkit complete with classroom and field activities. The site enlisted teachers throughout the country to use the provided curriculum and to help APT fundraise with the ultimate goal that students would raise half of the necessary funds and APT would raise the other half. In 2008, APT created the very popular Year of the Frog calendar, with beautiful photos donated by professional wildlife photographers. Sales were outstanding and generated a profit of $25,000! The team also received a number of donations, bringing the total to $31,000.

APT applied to a number of small grants on behalf of Africam Safari as well. During this process, some experts in the field suggested that the Large-crested Toad had possible already gone extinct. This prompted an immediate field survey. Thankfully, the toad was not extinct. The field survey resulted in the discovery of both tadpoles and metamorphs of the species.

The APT project hit a snag upon learning that none of the teachers who had registered on the website were fundraising. Though the site’s curriculum materials were being shared by zoos and educational institutions around the world, a survey of teachers indicated that most school fundraising projects nowadays, when permitted, are for basic classroom supplies.

APT then developed a number of new fundraising products and launched the “frog shop” on its website, which offered a set of unique note cards featuring donated frog photographs, frog adoption kits, and two drawings created by an emerging wildlife artist which were later made into prints. Unfortunately, sale of these products coincided with the economic downturn and sales have been very slow.

The APT members have since graduated from EWCL’s two-year program, but the team maintains its web site and hopes to liquidate its frog shop inventory over time and reach its fundraising goal. The team has transferred $25,000 to Africam Safari to begin their work. More importantly, APT is hopeful that its experience will help promote and inform similar future partnerships in amphibian conservation.

Much of APT’s work was done in the team’s spare time and was aided by many dedicated people also working in their spare time and at their own expense. The team wishes to express its gratitude to all of those individuals and organizations - many of whom are members and partners of Amphibian Ark.

Return to Article Index

One of the frog cards developed by APT to raise funds.

Amphibian Ark Seed Grant announcement Kevin Zippel, Amphibian Program Director, Amphibian Ark Two applications were successful in receiving grants from the first round of Amphibian Ark Seed Grants. We are pleased to be supporting the following projects:

National Museums of Kenya for “ Conservation breeding initiative for the threatened Taita warty frog, Callulina sp. ”

The Taita Warty Frog (Callulina sp.) is a Kenya endemic indigenous forest associated species. It was only recently discovered as a relative of C. kreffti and is restricted to the fragmented Taita Hills forests. Taita Hills is part of the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania and Kenya, one of the listed world biodiversity hotspot. The species will soon be formally described and proposed to be listed as Critically Endangered under IUCN Red List criteria and categories due to its restriction to the small and diminishing indigenous forests.

Population trend data are limited but suggest that conservation breeding may be a warranted tool to prevent this species from extinction for later reintroduction, as simultaneously there is fought for forest protection. Conservation breeding is the aim of the proposed work which intends to take Callulina dawida. some breeding stock from the wild, breed them and re-introduce specimens into the wild where they will be monitored. Frogs will be collected in the wild at a ratio of 1:3 (male: female) initial breeding stock and held temporarily in well-designed cages. They will later be transported to Nairobi Snake Park were a permanent enclosure will be designed for breeding.

Association Mitsinjo for “ Establishing a Captive Breeding Facility for Malagasy Amphibians”

Slightly more than one quarter of Madagascar’s amphibian species are threatened with extinction. Habitat destruction and over-harvesting are the greatest factors contributing to this biodiversity crisis. The impending threat of amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium denrobatidis (Bd) is also of huge concern. To bring the potential threat of this disease into perspective, it has been called the “worst infectious disease ever recorded among vertebrates in terms of the numbers of species impacted and its propensity to drive them to extinction”.

Association Mitsinjo, a community-run organization founded by villagers in Andasibe, is seeking a total of US $98,302 to create a captive breeding facility for threatened Madagascar amphibians. This facility will maintain Mantella aurantiaca. captive amphibian populations to help ensure the continued survival of Photo: Devin Edmonds. species at the greatest risk of extinction. On the ground, AArk funds will be used to purchase supplies for live food production and equipment for field work. The real benefit from financially supporting this project however, will be our ability to demonstrate solid backing from AArk on applications to leverage future funding opportunities.

Return to Article Index

Amphibian Ark husbandry workshop at Zoo Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Ron Gagliardo, Training Officer, Amphibian Ark and Dr. Brad Wilson, Veterinarian

The amphibian husbandry workshop hosted at Zoo Negara in Kuala Lumpur from June 19-22 drew participants from several fields including zoos, aquariums, national parks and the private sector. While some of these students clearly were no strangers to amphibians and their husbandry needs, many were getting their first exposure to the subject, evident by their excitement, motivation and desire for more information gleaned during the breaks!

We covered not only husbandry and reproductive techniques but also incorporated more information on planning and resources needed for initiating amphibian collections or conservation programs. Brad Wilson, an Atlanta veterinarian who has consulted on many amphibian programs in Panama and Atlanta covered all aspects of animal health, nutrition and veterinary care. Hands-on group work included enclosure preparation, horticultural techniques and such. In addition, we added a hand’s on laboratory session on veterinary care, diagnostics, fecal exams, and parasite identification that was very well received.

Dr. Felix Michael, the lead veterinarian and Zoo Negara Director Dr. Above and below: Students in one of the Mohamad Ngah were incredibly gracious hosts and along with an practical workshops on enclosure building. exceptional staff at the zoo, organized a very pleasant experience for us, Photos: Brad Wilson and Kit Tan. including a post-workshop durian versus mangosteen taste test! I imagine most will know who the victor was despite the fact that Brad Wilson did go back for thirds on the durian!

Return to Article Index

New partnership to save threatened Panamanian amphibians Brian Gratwicke, Biologist, National Zoo, Washington DC

Responding to calls from Amphibian Ark for zoos to take up the challenge to save amphibians the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Defenders of Wildlife, Zoo New England, Africam Safari (a Mexican zoo), Houston Zoo, Summit Municipal Park, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, and the National Zoo all pledged significant funding or in-kind contributions to form the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project www.amphibianrescue.org. Announced officially on May 11, this project will help expand our capacity to conserve the incredible biodiversity of amphibians in Panama that are threatened with extinction from the advancing wave of chytridiomycosis. This new project builds on the success of Houston Zoo’s successful establishment of the EVACC center that now houses several endangered species rescued from western Panama and expands the same project to eastern Panama that hasn’t yet been hit by chytridiomycosis. The new rescue center is being constructed at the Summit municipal park, 20mins outside Panama City.

The project has two main goals: 1) To build a facility to house several priority rescue species from the mountains of eastern Panama, the new rescue center will be built at the Summit Municipal Park, a zoo 20mins outside Panama City. 2) To test a promising probiotic approach to controlling amphibian chytrid fungus that was discovered by Reid Harris of James Madison University. If successful, we hope to develop a cure that may one day allow the reintroduction of species such as the Panamanian Golden Frog back into the wild, even in Bd affected areas.

Return to Article Index

The monitoring of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in ex situ and in situ African amphibians Desire Dalton, National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria, Antoinette Kotze1, Genetics Department, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, and Dave Morgan, African Association for Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZAB), Pretoria

The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa (NZG) is a National Research Facility of the National Research Foundation (NRF). The mandate of the NZG is to contribute to the national and global biodiversity conservation landscape by conducting, facilitating and promoting high quality research.

A real-time PCR based technique was optimised for the detection of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and currently both ex situ and in situ amphibian samples collected in Africa are being analyzed. The real-time TaqMan assay is faster, more sensitive and a more specific method compared to conventional PCR. It quantifies the target DNA thus making it a perfect diagnostic tool for screening. As little as 1 zoospore of Bd can be detected using this method. The real-time PCR based test is applied to the following: (1) quarantine screening of all individuals in ex situ facilities, (2) regular screening of individuals for early detection of possible Bd outbreaks, (3) screening of individuals in experimental trials and testing of treatment protocols. As Bd is one of the most imminent global threats to amphibians, the status will be evaluated in isolation and in combination with other threats. It is envisaged that this screening in the future will contribute Above: The new general laboratory. to the Bd African database which may be of use to reintroduction Below: The new PCR laboratory. initiatives. Early detection of Bd will also assist in the monitoring of Photos: Desire Dalton. environments where the disease has not been reported previously

The NZG, the North-West University (NWU) and the Johannesburg Zoo are collaborating in ex situ Bd monitoring. The following South African frog species are currently housed: Hyperolius marmoratus, Heleophryne natalensis, Amietphrynus gutturalis, Pyxiecephalus adspersus, Breviceps adspersus, Xenopus laevis and Cacosternum boegetteri. The main purpose for keeping these species is to build capacity in basic amphibian husbandry and to develop surrogate husbandry protocols for threatened species. Routine Bd testing has been incorporated into the husbandry practices in these facilities. Similarly, such routine testing will be integral to the husbandry protocols being developed for the species listed for ex situ action at the Southern African Amphibian Species Prioritization Workshop facilitated by the African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZAB) and Amphibian Ark (AArk) and hosted by Johannesburg Zoo in April 2008.

In addition, the NZG is currently screening samples collected from wild amphibians across Africa in collaboration with Dr. Weldon from the NWU. The objective is to determine the proximate distribution of the fungus in Africa. Currently a total of 994 swabs have been collected from various amphibian species in Madagascar, Nigeria and South Africa. Sampling is ongoing and it is envisaged that future research will include the identification of potential Bd infection in substrates such as soil and water.

Return to Article Index

Bolivian amphibian course “Conservación de la Biodiversidad de Anfíbios” Cybele Sabino Lisboa, Biologist aa‚¬a€? Fundação Parque Zoológico de São Paulo

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust supported by Museo de Historia Natural Alcide d’Orbigny and ALPZA organized a course entitled “Conservación de la Biodiversidad de Anfíbios”, from 12-18 February, 2009 in Copacabana, Bolívia. The course gathered researchers from several South Amarican countries (and Cuba), with the main objective of training herpetologists and conservationists of the region in the conservation of amphibians, providing updates on each country’s programs, and connecting professionals by means of future networks. The course was run by Jamie Copsey, Gerardo Garcia, Javier Lopez e Arturo Muñoz. The program was based on three main issues: understanding the decline of amphibians, learning to prioritize and plan actions and learning how to monitor and manage amphibian populations. These themes were provided via presentations, working groups and field visits.

By the end of the course, it was concluded that the expectations were achieved and that the participants were capable of preparing an action plan for the conservation of amphibians. The course highlighted the importance of the action plans and the responsibility that the group was assuming and, therefore, that effective planning must be carried out prior to any program being started. The speakers presented their experiences in conservation, pointing out successes, and also failures, so that we could avoid these in the future and not commit mistakes that have been previously reported.

São Paulo Zoo has an on-going project entitled “Conservação ex situ de Scinax alcatraz – manutenção e reprodução em cativeiro de uma perereca criticamente ameaçada de extinção” (Ex situ Conservation of Scinax alcatraz – maintenance and reproduction in captivity of a critically endangered frog). This is a pioneer project on ex situ conservation for amphibians in Brazil, and so the course was essential to learn new techniques that could be incorporated to the project, thereby ensure that it is conducted in the best way.

Return to Article Index

My journey to the home of the Critically Endangered Costa Rican Green- Eyed Frog Douglas Sherriff, Specialist Keeper, Herpetology, Chester Zoo

In early September 2008, I was fortunate enough to visit the only known breeding site for the Critically Endangered Costa Rican, Green-eyed Frog, Lithobates vibicarius, on a remote mountain ridge near the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve. Thought to have become extinct throughout its range by 1995, a single individual was seen in 2003 and the breeding pond discovered in 2004. Historically, this beautiful but poorly-known species favoured suitable habitat along the mountainous spine of Costa Rica. However, it is thought that the combination of local climate change and the devastating chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis is largely responsible for the decline of this and a further 23 species within the Monteverde region. Chester Zoo has the only conservation-breeding population of this frog and maintains them in one of its dedicated bio-secure units, known as Amphibian PODs.

The route to the breeding site is an arduous eleven-hour hike (if attempted in one day) from the Monteverde visitor centre, which takes you along a series of high, steep-sided ridges. The remoteness of the location, within the Children’s Eternal Rainforest Preserve, and the discomfort of the habitat, restricts any visit to a maximum of just two or three nights. At the pond itself the ground is soft The Costa Rican Green-eyed Frog, and boggy, this is cloud forest after all, and even when it is not shrouded in Lithobates vibicarius. cloud or in the middle of a torrential thunderstorm, water constantly drips onto Photo: Douglas Sherriff. you from the moss laden trees above. The undergrowth is thick, lush and constantly wet so everything you wear or carry with you gets wet and stays damp. Physically the environment is demanding, however visually it is breathtaking; not only for the pristine forest habitat but also for some of the views you get from the vantage point at 1600m elevation. On the way back, if you travel at night as we did, there are some points on the ridge where you get stunning views of the glow from the nearby active volcano, Arenal. For now we know very little about this rare and secretive frog, however Chester Zoo has been providing funds to facilitate monitoring of the breeding site by a local guide and the park guards. Quarterly treks to the pond confirm the continued presence of the frogs and give us snap-shot insights into their ecology and behaviour. Furthermore, swabbing of several frogs’ skins has revealed the presence of the chytrid fungus at the site, though apparently without significant mortality.

To aid us in our breeding trials back in Chester we have been placing temperature and humidity data loggers in locations around the pond. These are collected and replaced at each trip and when downloaded back in Chester, they provide us with very accurate and much-needed seasonal micro-climate data which we can replicate in our climate-controlled APOD. In coming years we hope to significantly increase the intensity of field work on this species and the other frogs of the immediate area – some of which may be equally threatened. Utilising new, state-of-the-art tiny microchips to identify frogs we hope to assess the size and age structure of the Green-eyed Frog population and with the assistance of university colleagues, investigate the genetic diversity of the remaining frogs. This data will help us assess the vulnerability of the remaining frogs and plan a longer-term conservation strategy.

Return to Article Index

Regional update from AMACZOOA Yolanda Matamoros, President of the Mesoamerican Association of Zoos

AMACZOOA was involved with four big activities during the last few months:

1. The final report of the Costarrican Amphibian Species CAMP II has been finished. The report can be found at www.cbsgmesoamerica.org and at www.cbsg.org 2. The Biology School of Universidad de Costa Rica and FUNDAZOO produced sixteen banners explaining conservation issues of Costa Rican amphibians. These banners are in an exhibition at the Biology School and during the next year will rotate in different institutions around the country. 3. A virtual community of Mesoamerica and the Caribbean with information about different Costa Rican amphibian species has been produced by Alberto Solano and Eduardo Boza with the support of Rita Sandí. This information can be found on the Education Ministry web site: http://costarica.ceducar.org/Comunidades/biodiversidad. If it is requested, the password is bio 2009. 4. A forum to explain amphibian conservation issues was held at the Biology School of Universidad de Costa Rica on June 20th, with the participation of Federico Bolaños and Yolanda Matamoros.

All of these activities are part of the Costa Rican Amphibian Conservation Strategy. AMACZOOA is trying to find funds to run an amphibian ex situ conservation course and the Mesoamerican and the Caribbean Conservation Strategy Workshop to expand the Costa Rican experiences throughout the region.

Return to Article Index

ARAZPA update Compiled by Kevin Johnson, ARAZPA

Southern Corroboree Frog update from Taronga Zoo - Michael McFadden, Unit Supervisor, Herpetofauna Division, Taronga Zoo

The Southern Corroboree Frog (Pseudophryne corroboree) is one of Australia’s most threatened species, with an estimated population of less than 200 individuals. As chytrid fungus is the primary cause behind the demise of this species, methods are now being trialled to minimise the exposure of this species to the fungus. In an attempt to increase recruitment in the wild, large tubs have been set up at a number of sites, acting as artificial chytrid-free pools where the tadpoles can live and metamorphose in an environment free of the introduced pathogen.

After the breeding season, in March 2009, all viable wild-laid eggs were The Southern Corroboree Frog. collected and transferred to a new Corroboree Frog facility at Taronga Zoo. Photo: Michael McFadden. Whilst the eggs were in temporary storage at the zoo, Dr David Hunter from the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) was busy setting up twenty large tubs in the Southern Corroboree Frog’s native sphagnum bog habitat. The tubs, located within Kosciuszko National Park, are designed to prevent the sympatric Common Eastern Froglet from entering them and contaminating them with chytrid fungus. In May, the eggs were returned to the wild and released into the tubs. It is anticipated that without the threat of the fungus, the tadpoles will metamorphose as healthy frogs in Spring, head-starting them past this vulnerable life stage.

In a major boost to the Corroboree Frog program, a website and a national trust fund have been set up, with the help of the Murray Catchment Management Authority (CMA). The website (www.corroboreefrog.com.au) is designed to introduce people to the plight of this species and raise money to fund vital recovery actions. The campaign was officially launched by Environment Minister Peter Garrett in Albury in early May. Thanks to the hard work of Elisa Tack (Murray CMA), funding has already started rolling in from sponsorships, frog adoptions and an Australian Geographic fundraising campaign.

Some of the tubs used in Kosciuszko National Northern Corroboree Frog update from Tidbinbilla Nature Park to hatch Corroboree Frog eggs. Reserve - Carly Humphrys, Wildlife Officer, Tidbinbilla Photo: Michael McFadden. Nature Reserve

The recent arrival and set up of a new shipping container brings us to a total of three shipping containers utilised for the Northern Corroboree Frog (Pseudophryne pengilleyi) program. The new container operates as a second breeding facility, and this has enabled Tidbinbilla to maximise their breeding efforts. With ten breeding tanks currently in the first breeding enclosure, the new shipping container is a great help, having an additional twenty breeding tanks. Around 350 sexually mature frogs are housed in all breeding tanks. A tremendous amount of hard work went into setting up the third container in time for this year’s breeding season. After the successful breeding last year, this year anticipation is high that we can provide another good breeding season. Last year Tidbinbilla raised 111 tiny frogs from tadpoles, the first Northern Corroboree Frogs to be breed in captivity. These little frogs are growing quickly with a big appetite for crickets.

A delegation for the front line Australian Alps conference visited the Northern Corroboree Frog facility in May as part of an Australian Alps workshop. With some media coverage, the Senior Wildlife Officer and staff were able to present an important conservation message and awareness for the survivorship of the frogs. It was an excellent day with approximately forty Australian Alps representatives who were thrilled to be able to view the frogs up close. The Northern Corroboree Frog. With the breeding program in full swing, frogs have been calling passionately. Photo: Carly Humphrys. We are now coming to the end of another breeding season and the staff are waiting anxiously for the discovery of eggs. This achievement so far is a vital step towards preserving the future of the Northern Corroboree Frog.

Return to Article Index

Swedish toad chorus croaks to glory Dr. Claes Andrén, Scientific Director, Nordens Ark, Maria Andrén, Sound Engineer, Andrén Sound Enterprice, Sweden, and Dr. Lena M Lindén, CEO, Nordens Ark

On May 4th, 2007 a song festival for Fire-bellied Toads (Bombina bombina) took place in Sweden. This was part of the Bombina LIFE project where Denmark, Germany, Latvia and Sweden competed with best performance and song quality. The Bombina calls were recorded and transformed to files available on the internet almost in real time. The world audience could vote for best performance. At the same time we had welcomed local people and media to be part of the festival. It was also possible to vote on-site. Sweden and Nordens Ark won with almost 80% of the European votes.

This turned out to be an excellent way to get maximum attention and to highjack the media. In Sweden we selected a locality in the coastal nature reserve, Mölle Fälad, in A calling male Fire-bellied Toad (Bombina bombina). south-west Sweden, which has a number of shallow ponds Photo: Claes Andrén. in a well-grazed area. This gave us the possibility to see the calling males close and clear and we could show them to the local people present. It also gave the media a possibility to have very good recordings of the calling male Bombina. We had planned the festival very carefully, however the bright sunshine and warm weather was just luck. We have known the locality for many years and we had restored most of the breeding ponds in 2000-2002. We were lucky to have help from Maria Andrén, who is a trained sound engineer and she brought along professional equipment for the best possible resolution. We hoped that would run smoothly under these conditions.

During the festival day a stream of people and media visited the site. We had a wonderful opportunity to show calling males in bright sunshine. People brought picnic baskets and had a good time, while we took the opportunity to explain about the amphibian rescue and research project. Media had their photos and stories for magazines and videos for local, regional and national television. We were astonished over the attention this event received. We understood from emails coming from different parts of the world that the toad chorus festival was being discussed in hundreds of blogs and thousands of web pages globally.

The Bombina festival met all of our expectations. Later after coming home, we realized that the Swedish toads again had outrivaled all The m>Bombina breeding ponds in the coastal the other participants. We were the superior winner with 83% of the nature reserve, Mölle Fälad, in south-west European votes. We concluded that the idea to have a spectacular Sweden. Bombina song festival just a few days before the traditional Photo: Claes Andrén. European song contest was very clever. Thank you Germany for coming up with this excellent idea.

While Sweden failed to impress at this year's Eurovision, the toad contest organizers reminded listeners that "the Bombina Boygroup is in the fine Swedish tradition of ABBA, Herreys, Carola and Charlotte Nilsson, who have won the European Human Song Contest." The toad choir from Mölle in southern Sweden enthralled Europe with its delivery, pitch and sheer determination. The final, spread out over two legs, was a one-sided affair. When sound files from the four entrants went online after the first leg on May 10th, the Bombina Boygroup blew the opposition out of the water. And choirmaster Claes Andrén was delighted with the performance of his thirty toads in front of a jubilant crowd of around 150 people in Mölle.

Return to Article Index

South Asian Amphibian Ark activities ZOO, WILD, South Asian Amphibian Network, CBSG South Asia, South Asian Network of IZE

Amphibian Colouring Book Our AArk Activity Group comprised of staff from all parts of the office, as well as the South Asian Amphibian Network, agonized for weeks and months over our Amphibian Colouring Book. You would think that wouldn’t be hard but if you want high quality South Asian threatened amphibian photos, line drawings, drawings of insects they eat matched with the species and clever descriptive sayings, it can be quite difficult to compile. But finally, it is now complete. Here’s a summary of the report from one of our educators from the South Asian Network of the International Zoo Educators, on how she used the colouring book with a group of students. The print run was 3,000 copies, and these have been distributed so far to the National Zoological Gardens in Sri Lanka, SAZARC meeting participants, education programmes in Mysore, and the balance will be used in educator training and special request workshops. Above: Tanuja’s class concentrating mightily on their colouring task. They were no less focused on Sample Amphibian Colouring Book programme at a the discussion which emerged afterwards. school in Mysore City, Karnataka Below: Fourteen different species were included in I visited Kalivuya Mane School in Mysore where I used the new the coloring book. amphibian colouring book. The session started with a volley of questions and answers, such as "When did you hear the frog croak?" "What is special about amphibians?" "What do you think about amphibians?" "Have you ever killed a frog?"

The groups learned about the importance of frogs and their role in the ecosystem. Every student received a colouring book and they had fun colouring some of the pictures. We had a session of relating each species of frog to its food, and the students also related the amphibian and its prey in the book. The students let me go only after extracting a promise to come again with more fun things to do. D.H.Tanuja, Email: [email protected]

Amphibian Ark and COUNTDOWN 2010 Countdown 2010 is an independent alliance governed by the will of its partners through its Advisory Board and Partners’ Assembly. The COUNTDOWN 2010 Secretariat is based at the office of IUCN - The World Conservation Union in Belgium. Countdown 2010 is a way of reaching out and linking to partners all over the world and uniting them in the common goal of saving biodiversity.

Partners become so by signing a “Declaration” which requires agreeing to some general principles enumerated by COUNTDOWN 2010 according to the CBD for the duration of the program and some particular commitments drafted by the Partner. Zoo Outreach Organisation committed to joining or “Declaring” from each of their network associates and started with Hoolock Gibbons followed by amphibians.

Our commitments are:

To utilise the COUNTDOWN 2010 and the AArk Programs to retard amphibian biodiversity loss. To introduce COUNTDOWN 2010 to our Amphibian Network of South Asia, researchers, zoos, enthusiasts and educators working for amphibian survival. To publish a fantastic amphibian poster linking to Countdown 2010 with a two-year calendar to remind people that time is running out for reducing the causes of biodiversity loss. To create an educational packet with information linking amphibian decline and biodiversity loss with CBD and COUNTDOWN 2010. To utilize COUNTDOWN 2010 along with AArk to reach the AArk goal of two million signatures. To highlight examples of 'exemplary activities which aid amphibian survival’.

Of the 5000 posters produced, 1235 went to District Forest Officers, 765 to Amphibian Network members, 335 to zoos, 330 to State Chief Wildlife Wardens, 150 to offices of the Zoological Survey of India, 55 to Central Zoo Authority, 55 to Ministry of Environment and Forests- 55 to the Wildlife Regional Office 75 to SAZARC 2009 meeting participants, 295 to assorted institutions, 250 to National Zoo, Sri Lanka, 75 to a conservation educators meeting, 50 to visiting students of Wildlife Institute of India, 700 to educators to use in their Animal Welfare Fortnight education program with the remaining 200 set aside for the Asian Zoo Educators’ Conference in Hong Kong October 2009.

Some Animal Welfare Fortnight programs conducted with theme of declining Amphibians and COUNTDOWN 2010

Centre for Env. Education, Bhopal, M.P. Animal Welfare Program At the end of each lecture in all three schools we asked some basic questions about the species and for correct answers we rewarded COUNTDOWN 2010 amphibian posters used in the them with amphibian COUNTDOWN 2010 calendars provided by education programmes. Zoo Outreach.

Pitchandikulam Forest Consultants-Adyar Poonga Animal Welfare Fortnight 2009-Report The 30 Eco-Club students received an excellent training with follow up activity on Amphibian identification. As a mark to appreciate their active participation, “Amphibian Crisis” calendars were distributed to the participants.

Conservation of Nature Society and the Dolphin Protection Committee of Calicut Organized the Animal Welfare Fortnight 2009 in the Peruvannamuzhi Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (Kozhikode) and Crocodile Mini Zoo. Amphibian calendars distributed during an amphibian awareness program, marking once abundant numbers of amphibians in the area, now reduced due to loss of habitat.

CD 2010/AArk activities in Tamil Nadu by one individual (retired teacher Jessie Jayakaran)

30 Green Corps students at SCI Girls High School, Erode, Tamil Nadu,3 Feb 09 60 students from standard 8th of Satya Matric HSS, Purasaivakkam, Chennai 4 Mar09 28 first year zoology students of Lady Doak College, Tamil Nadu, Mar 09 25 NSS Program Officers from Colleges/Polytechnics in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, 25 Feb 09 25 NSS students of CSI Jeyaraj Annapakiam College of Nursing, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 59 B.Ed. students of five different colleges at CSI College of Education, Madurai, T.N.

COUNTDOWN 2010 + AArk Amphibian caps – 500 – distributed to: COUNTDOWN 2010 and AArk Amphibian caps. Mysore Zoo Amphibian Captive Training for Zoo Directors - workshop participants-50 At Ninth SAZARC meeting 2009 - 400 To SAZARC participants -50 Kuenzang Gyeltshen , Bhutan-50 Bangladesh Zoos -100 Bushra & Qadeer Mehal, Pakistan -50 Mansoor Qazi Karachi Zoo-25 Sarita Jnawali, Central Zoo, Nepal -25 National Zoological Gardens -100 During Animal welfare fortnightly - 50

Amphibian signature campaign To date we have collected 17,668 signatures in South Asia. The global campaign has been wound up unfortunately but we will try to reach 20-25 thousand and hand these over to some influential organisation in South Asia.

Return to Article Index

Jumping In To Make a Difference, Part 2 Linda Gordon and Carolyn Carlson's Second Grade Classes, Tremont School, Columbus, Ohio

When Mrs. Gordon’s and Mrs. Carlson’s second grade classes returned to school in January, 2009 the Year of the Frog had officially ended. But, we were not done helping! Both classes planned a bake sale at our school on February 18. Our parents made dozens and dozens of frog cookies and cupcakes to sell. We sold almost all of them! The two classes raised $340 more to donate to Amphibian Ark. Our next project was really exciting! The Art teachers helped us draw a design for a tote bag. Some designs were selected to be voted on by the whole school. The winning design was then printed on reusable tote bags which were sold on Earth Day to remind people to “Go Green for Frogs”. We sold 100 tote bags and made $403 for Amphibian Ark.

The other designs were made into bookmarks to give to all of the children in the school to thank them for their support of our projects, and to share tips about taking care of the Earth. We gave some bookmarks to the public library to Above: Second-grade students from Tremont Elementary spread the “Go Green” message throughout the community. School in Arlington Ohio. Below: The tote bag designed by the students. What did we learn from our projects this year? We learned Photos: Linda Gordon. that we can make a difference. It is fun working together for something that we believe in. We know that we can help take care of our world in many ways. We feel proud that we were able to help and we challenge next year’s classes to make a difference too.

Editor's note: Thanks to Columbus Zoo for their help in forwarding these donations to AArk and for for bringing AArk and Tremont Elementary into contact with each other.

Return to Article Index

The Bloomin Bog Isa Webb, Partner, The Bloomin Bog

It’s 2pm and it’s raining. I knew the morning sunshine wouldn’t last….the frogs told me so. They were very noisy just before lunchtime. Laugh at me if you will, but the frogs do forecast rain, and, I might add, with far more accuracy than meteorologists.

The Bloomin Bog is a seasonal water garden business located on 1.25 acres in southwestern Ontario. We are very fortunate to share our acreage with some gorgeous amphibians: the common toad, and at least six frog species (bullfrog, leopard frog, grey tree frog, green frog, spring peeper and pickerel frog).

The Year of the Frog (YOTF) and Amphibian Ark both came to my attention in February 2008 through a newspaper article in The Standard – St. Catharine’s, Ontario on Wednesday, 6th February, 2008. This article discussed the plight of the world’s amphibian populations and introduced me to the Chytrid virus.

Given that our business logo is a frog, and that every year we sell thousands of bullfrog tadpoles to our customers, I felt that this conservation effort was worthy of our time and effort. Preparations for campaigning at The Bog began straight away. Our focus was two-fold: promote public awareness; and raise money.

The Amphibian Ark website held a treasure load of ideas and resources – from bookmarks, frog masks and frog mazes to posters, logos, informational pamphlets and contest ideas.

Over the course of spring and summer 2008, we promoted public awareness by supporting the amphibian alert at a three-day spring home and garden show, The frog wishing well at the displaying amphibian alert posters, folding and giving away a load of origami frogs, Bloomin Bog. Photo: Isa Webb. making giant frog photo displays, and distributing 1500 YOTF pamphlets. We raised money through designing and selling grey tree-frog fridge magnets, selling 2008 frog calendars, raffling a beautiful hand- stitched single bed frog quilt (generously hand-made and donated by Roxanne, our sales manager), organizing coloring and photo contests, selling children’s fun frog packs, and collecting donations. Information was also available on our website.

During our Customer Appreciation Weekend (5-6th July) we held various YOTF activities for children, including coloring and making frog masks. Completed colored frogs were entered into our coloring competition for $2. We also set up a frog wishing well pond, and asked our customers to please help us save amphibians by dropping any loose change into the pond.

Roxanne and I also hand knitted a child’s sweater each depicting two frogs. These were donated as prizes for the 3-5yrs colouring contest winners (one boy and one girl). Another of our employees, Alana, also donated a beautiful children’s frog book as a prize for the winner of the under 15yrs photo contest.

The remaining six prizes for the colouring and photo contests were purchased through the Amphibian Ark website (t-shirts, bags and books). Kermit and Isa at the Home Garden Show. Photo: Isa Webb. By year’s end, we achieved our goals: not only did we raise public awareness about the global decline of amphibians, but we raised US$ S497 for Amphibian Ark. Along the way we learned a great deal about amphibians and shared many interesting facts and stories with our customers.

Return to Article Index