QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIA

AUTUMNZ 2018oo quariAISSUE 102 AMAZING AMPHIBIANS CELEBRATING A DECADE OF AMPHIBIAN CONSERVATION

A giant challenge BUILDING A FUTURE FOR THE CHINESE GIANT SALAMANDER 1 Taking a Leap PROTECTING DARWIN’S FROG IN CHILE Give your visitors a digital experience

Add a new dimension to your visitor experience with the Aratag app – for museums, parks and tourist www.aratag.com attractions of all kinds.

Aratag is a fully-integrated information system featuring a CMS and universal app that visitors download to their smart devices.

The app runs automatically when it detects a nearby facility using the Aratag system. With the power of Aratag’s underlying client CMS system, zoos, aquariums, museums and other tourist attractions can craft customized, site-specifi c app content for their visitors. 

Aratag’s CMS software makes it easy for you to create and update customized app content, including menus, text, videos, AR, and active links.

Aratag gives you the power to intelligently monitor visitors, including demographics and visitor fl ows, visit durations, preferred attractions, and more.

You can also send push messages through the app, giving your visitors valuable information such as feeding times, closing time notices, transport information, fi re alarms, evacuation routes, lost and found, etc.

Contact Pangea Rocks for an on-site demonstration of how Aratag gives you the power to deliver enhanced visitor experiences.

Contact us for more information: Address: Aratag is designed and Email: [email protected] Aratag / Pangea Rocks A/S developed by Pangea Rocks A/S Phone: +45 60 94 34 32 Navervej 13 in collaboration with Aalborg Mobile : +45 53 80 34 32 6800 Varde, Denmark University. Give your visitors a digital experience Contents Zooquaria Autumn 2018

10 20 26 Add a new dimension to your visitor experience with the Aratag app – for museums, parks and tourist www.aratag.com attractions of all kinds.

Aratag is a fully-integrated information system featuring a CMS and universal app that visitors download to their smart devices.

The app runs automatically when it detects a nearby OBERWEMMER F facility using the Aratag system. With the power of Aratag’s underlying client CMS system, zoos, 4 From the Director’s chair 19 Immaculate conservation aquariums, museums and other tourist attractions EAZA’s Director introduces this special issue Why an order of Mexican nuns proved to be a key dedicated to amphibian conservation part in the conservation of the achoque can craft customized, site-specifi c app content for their visitors. 5 Noticeboard 20 Saving the lemur frog The latest news from the EAZA community How Bristol Zoo's ESB is supporting the Critically Endangered lemur leaf frog  6 Births & hatchings The latest success stories from our Member zoos 21 Amphibian advice Zooquaria talks to Amphibian TAG Advisor Javier Aratag’s CMS software makes it 8 Greece is the word Lopez about his life and work easy for you to create and update An impressive venue and inspiring presentations customized app content, including ensured a memorable EAZA Annual Conference 23 Conservation by numbers menus, text, videos, AR, and active How EAZA Members have supported amphibian links. 10 Songbird on the brink conservation over the last 10 years How the Threatened Asian Songbird Alliance Aratag gives you the power rescued the Javan Green magpie just in time 24 Resisting the alien invaders to intelligently monitor visitors, A variety of measures was needed to bring an including demographics and visitor 12 Reaching across the world invasion of bullfrogs under control fl ows, visit durations, preferred Dr Jane Goodall's keynote speech was just one of attractions, and more. the highlights of the 73rd WAZA Annual Conference 26 Taking a leap Why Zoo Leipzig jumped at the chance to help save You can also send push messages 14 Fighting for their survival Darwin's frog through the app, giving your visitors We look back over a decade of amphibian valuable information such as feeding conservation across the globe 27 A giant challenge times, closing time notices, transport Ensuring a future for the Chinese giant salamander information, fi re alarms, evacuation 16 Action for amphibians How a collaborative global partnership is creating a routes, lost and found, etc. 28 Beyond the bullfrogs better world for amphibians Revisiting an amphibian conservation challenge that was first posed in the 1960s 18 The year of the frog Has the Year of the Frog campaign achieved its aim? 30 Frogs need friends Why effective publicity management is a crucial part of amphibian conservation Zooquaria

Contact Pangea Rocks for EDITORIAL BOARD: EAZA Executive Office, PO Box 20164, 1000 HD Amsterdam, The Netherlands. an on-site demonstration Executive Director Myfanwy Griffith ([email protected]) Email: [email protected] ISSN 2210-3392 Cover image: Golden mantella frog of how Aratag gives you the Managing Editor David Williams-Mitchell ([email protected]) For information on print subscriptions to Zooquaria visit: power to deliver enhanced Editor Joanna Swinnerton http://www.eaza.net/about-us/communications visitor experiences. Editorial Staff Katharina Herrmann, William van Lint The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of EAZA. Designer Louise Tait The paper used for printing is FSC quality (sustainable). Organic inks are used. Zooquaria is the quarterly magazine of the Plates for printing are free of chemicals. All waste is disposed of in an environmentally European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). friendly manner. Printed by Euro Mail BV. Contact us for more information: Address: Aratag is designed and 3 Email: [email protected] Aratag / Pangea Rocks A/S developed by Pangea Rocks A/S Phone: +45 60 94 34 32 Navervej 13 in collaboration with Aalborg Mobile : +45 53 80 34 32 6800 Varde, Denmark University. FROM THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR

I am delighted to share with you this special issue on effective collaboration produces conservation impact. The amphibians. It comes 10 years after our EAZA Conservation interconnected work of AArk, the Amphibian Survival Campaign: Year of the Frog, which was launched after Alliance (ASA) and the IUCN Species Survival Commission alarming declines of amphibians were presented at a 2005 Amphibian Specialist Group (IUCN SSC ASG) is one conference. At the closing of the campaign, it had raised over example of effective collaboration in action. It is great to €418,000 for amphibian conservation, 40 per cent of which know that EAZA and its Members are involved in supporting was granted to the global Amphibian Ark (AArk) to help it each of these groups, either through provision of scientific maintain its vital central coordinating role in amphibian ex expertise, capacity building, rescue efforts, outreach, situ conservation. Ten years on, this issue of Zooquaria looks communications or funds (and here I take the opportunity at the current status of amphibian conservation, the lasting to give special thanks to Leipzig Zoo, Germany, Belfast Zoo, impacts of the campaign, and if more still needs to be done. Northern Ireland, and Nordens Ark, Sweden, who responded This issue contains a range of examples from EAZA to my recent request for funds made in my capacity as a Members about how the campaign initiated their amphibian Global Council member of ASA). conservation activities. These diverse activities also now It is also clear from reading the articles that there is still a demonstrate a long-term commitment to amphibian need to do more if we wish to safeguard precious amphibian conservation for both native species and those from further biodiversity. Many authors call for an expansion of activities afield. They also highlight the complexities of amphibian to include: conservation, not least that in some cases conservation of • connecting zoos and aquariums to existing global one species of amphibian may mean eradication of another. amphibian networks such as AArk, ASA and ASG; Conservation is not always easy, and it is reassuring to • supporting effective collaborations between the know that EAZA Members have the scientific and practical scientific community and practitioners in zoos and knowledge to confidently make these difficult decisions aquariums, particularly with institutions based in and achieve positive conservation outcomes. In addition developing countries and in need of more research to the specific examples given, the EAZA Conservation capacity; Database infographic on page 23 nicely summarises EAZA • institutions in countries with low amphibian diversity contributions to amphibian conservation over the 10-year helping to establish breeding facilities in partner period. It is great to be able to share the fact that registered institutions in high-diversity range countries, and funding for amphibians has risen to €3.9 million. These funds potentially receiving exhibit animals from these have supported not only direct species conservation efforts institutions once range-country populations produced but also projects related to research, conservation education surplus; and and ecosystem restoration. • supporting the Red Listing process for the thousands On page 18 our Amphibian TAG Chair, Gerardo Garcia, of amphibians in need so that it can continue to guide provides a more detailed summary of the campaign and what strategic actions. the TAG has done, and continues to do for Amphibian EAZA and its Members are well placed to respond to management and conservation. these calls and I encourage everyone to use their expertise, The 2005 conference also gave rise to the Amphibian experience and connections to become (more) involved in Conservation Action Plan (ACAP). This plan was updated amphibian conservation. in 2015 and is available online at http://www.amphibians. org/publications/amphibian-conservation-action-plan/. The As you read on you will notice that not all of our articles ACAP is the global conservation roadmap for amphibians are amphibian-focused, but we couldn’t miss the timely and has clear chapters outlining priority actions that need to opportunity to celebrate some non-amphibian births and take place to secure remaining frog, toad, salamander, newt hatchings, divert a little of the conservation spotlight to one and caecilian populations. I encourage everyone to look of our current Silent Forest Campaign species, the Javan at the ACAP and work to incorporate appropriate priority green magpie, and provide updates from the highly successful actions into their institutional practice and activities. EAZA Annual Conference and WAZA Conference. What becomes evident when reading the various excellent, thought-provoking articles in this issue is that effective amphibian conservation requires collaborative solutions. With the proportion of amphibian species threatened with extinction now at over 30 per cent (making them the Myfanwy Griffith 4 most globally threatened vertebrate group) it is vital that Executive Director, EAZA ANNOUNCEMENTS

NOTICEBOARD CORPORATE MEMBERS The EAZA Council met at the EAZA vi) Withdrawing Corporate Members Annual Conference held in Athens (1) TAA Group GmbH Co. KG, Aqua Medic www.aqua-medic.de (see p. 8) on 21 September. The Germany Aqua-Teknik A/S www.aqua-teknik.com following decisions were made (2) IC EAU, Switzerland Arie Blok Animal Nutrition www.arieblok.nl regarding changes in the Beresford www.beresford.fr Membership of the Association and The Council also approved updated Billings Productions, Inc www.billingsproductions.com outcomes of screenings under the or newly created Terms of Brogaarden www.brogaarden.eu EAZA Accreditation Programme: Reference for the EAZA Council, Carl Stahl www.carlstahl.com the Membership and Ethics Clax Italia www.claxitalia.com New Applicants Committee, the Communications Close to Bone www.closetobone.be i) Temporary Member (2 years) Committee, the Education Crossborder Animal Services (1) Parco Faunistico Valcorba, Committee and the National www.crossborderanimalservices.com Italy Associations Committee. Deerns www.deerns.com ii) Move from Temporary to Full EKIPA www.ekipa.nl Membership An Extraordinary Meeting of the Fachjan www.fachjan.nl (1) Biotropica, France Annual General Meeting was also Fox Consulting www.fox-zooconsulting.com (2) Exmoor Zoo, UK held the same day. This meeting Granovit www.protector.ch (3) Terra Natura Murcia, Spain was convened following the failure HMJ Design www.hmj-design.dk iii) Associate Member: Zoo/ to achieve quorum at the Annual IFA Skyfast www.skyfast.be Aquarium General Meeting held in April 2018 KaGo & Hammerschmidt www.felsen.de (1) Auckland Zoo, New Zealand in Antwerp for changes to the Kiezebrink International www.kiezebrink.eu (2) Taipei Zoo, Taiwan constitutions proposed by the Lamartine Construction iv) Associate Member: Membership Executive Committee. The new www.lamartine-construction.com Organisation meeting required a simple majority Lionhouse www.lionhouse.eu (1) Association of Hungarian of present voting Members to Marine Nutrition www.marinenutrition.com Zoos – MASZ (Magyar adopt the proposed changes. The Mazuri www.mazuri.eu Állatkertek Szövetsége), Members voted unanimously to Nautilus-UK nautilus-uk.com Hungary adopt the changes to the Nieuwkoop Europe www.nieuwkoop-europe.com v) Candidate for Membership Constitution. For further details on Pangea Rocks www.pangea.dk (1) Parc Animalier de Bouillon, the changes, visit the EAZA PGAV Destinations www.pgav.com Belgium Member Area website (AGM/ PJA Architects www.pjarchitects.com (2) Belgrade Zoo, Serbia meetings/Athens). Ralf Imagen y Comunicación S.L. www.ralfnature.com Existing Members Council Elections Rasbach Architekten www.rasbacharchitekten.de i) Maintain Full Membership The term of the current EAZA Ravensden www.ravensden.co.uk (1) Zoo Leipzig, Germany Council expires at the Spring Ray Hole Architects www.rayhole-architects.com (2) Bioparco Roma, Italy Council meeting, which will be St Laurent www.st-laurent.fr (3) Berlin Zoo, Germany held in Jersey in April 2019. A new TVK ZooDesign www.tvkzoodesign.nl ii) Reinstate to Full Membership Council will then be installed Zoological Adviser www.zoologicaladviser.com (1) Monde Sauvage, Belgium following elections running at the Zoologistics www.zoologistics.nl iii) Withdrawing Members end of 2018 and into the early part Zooprofis www.zooprofessionals.de (1) Aquarium Tropical de la of 2019. Porte Dorée, France (Full) (2) Union des Conservateurs The EAZA Executive Office will d'Aquarium – UCA, France make contact with National (Associate) Associations (where the National 2019, and the nominations will be (3) Al Wabra Wildlife Association is a Member of EAZA), ratified or rejected by the Annual Reservation, Qatar with Members in countries with no General Meeting, also to be held in (Associate) Member National Association, and April in Jersey. A process is also (4) Bears in Mind (Associate) with Members who are the sole opening for the nomination of EAZA representatives in their candidates for the role of EAZA Corporate Members country to outline the process for Chair. v) New Members nominating and electing Council (1) Nautilus-UK, UK members during November. If you have any questions (2) IFA Skyfast, Belgium regarding these elections, please (3) Granovit, Switzerland Nominated or elected members of contact EAZA Director of (4) Close to Bone, Belgium Council will be informed of the Communications and Membership outcome of elections in March David Williams-Mitchell. 5 BIRTHS & HATCHINGS

NEW ARRIVALS

KIWI HATCHED IN THE NETHERLANDS THE HATCHING OF A NORTH ISLAND another male was needed. In 2014, a 74–84). On 18 September, after 76 days, KIWI (Apteryx mantelli) in Vogelpark male (CB 2012) arrived from the a chick hatched weighing 178 grams. Avifauna on 18 September is a first for Smithsonian Conservation Biology Kiwi chicks hatch with a large external the Netherlands and is also the first chick Institute in the US, so we once more had yolk sac, which is gradually absorbed to hatch in the SSP in 2018. (EAZA and a potential breeding pair. through their navel over their first 10 AZA zoos participate in the SSP for this It was 2017 before the first fertile eggs days of life. This means they do not have species, as all kiwis outside New Zealand were laid, but unfortunately the chicks to go outside to feed for the first few are managed as one population.) died in the egg before hatching. The first days, so the chick was left with the male Avifauna started its work with this clutch in 2018 was fertile again, and a that was still incubating a second egg. species in 2007 when a male arrived first chick hatched on 29 June in the After six days the chick was moved to from Frankfurt (CB Frankfurt 2005), incubator (it is advised to take eggs away its own enclosure where it could be which could be displayed at the from the male on day 40–45), but monitored closely and start to forage for nocturnal house. In 2008 a potential unfortunately the chick was weak and food itself. After the ninth day the chick breeding pair arrived from Frankfurt unable to feed itself and it died within started to gain weight and on 2 October (both CB Frankfurt 2007), but 14 days. it passed the 200 gram mark, so this unfortunately the female died in 2009, In the meantime a second clutch was looks very promising and the keepers in so they never bred. However, the ‘male’ successfully incubated by the male, and Avifauna are convinced this chick will in the nocturnal house then started to it was decided that the eggs should be survive to adulthood. In the meantime, produce eggs! Since this female was left with the male for the entire our fingers are still crossed for the closely related to the male in Avifauna, incubation period (which for kiwis is second egg.

6 WEEREN VAN RONALD NEW ARRIVALS

ASIATIC LION CUBS BORN IN ROTTERDAM AT THE END OF 2014, a genetically important male Asiatic lion (a direct descendant of wild parents) from Singapore was imported to Blijdorp Zoo, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Six months later, in June 2015, Blijdorp opened a new exhibit with all the necessary features in place for breeding. Mating occurred with the females, but unfortunately one of the females appeared to be too old and the other female had a history of not rearing her cubs. The latter female gave birth in our new enclosure, but unfortunately, as predicted, she did not care for her cubs. On the positive side, our male from Singapore proved to be fertile. After consulting the EEP coordinator, we received a 10-year, non-proven, DOOLARD ROB female from Berlin. Matings have been little sceptical about receiving another observed matings shortly after observed, but so far without success. non-proven female, but the protocol is introduction and were delighted to Because our oldest female had to be that the EEP’s interests always prevail welcome four cubs (1 DNS) on 21 August. euthanised (because of geriatric health over an institution’s interests. In March Fortunately Lalana turned out to be an problems) we consulted the EEP 2018 the female (Lalana) from Krakow excellent first-time mother. So after a coordinator again with a request for a arrived in Rotterdam Zoo. After a difficult and disappointing start in our new female. We received a quarantine period of 30 days we new exhibit we are now happy to recommendation for a genetically introduced her to the male, and after welcome the first surviving offspring important, eight-year-old non-proven they bonded, we introduced the two from our genetically important male female from Krakow. At first we were a other females, one at a time. We from Singapore. CAESAREAN DELIVERY FOR L’HOEST’S MONKEY AT LA PALMYRE ZOO

building, in front of the L’Hoest’s monkeys’ cage. Early placement close to their natal group allows hand-reared juveniles to have visual and auditory contact with their peers and usually makes their reintroduction easier once they are weaned. The juvenile is now in a small cage and receives six bottles of milk and two bowls of fruit per day. First observations show that she is reacting positively to the presence of the other L’Hoest’s monkeys, who are themselves very interested in this new juvenile. FLORENCE PERROUX FLORENCE Classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN A FEMALE L’HOEST’S MONKEY sufficient grasping reflex and as her Red List, the species is threatened by (Allochrocebus lhoesti) was born at La mother was an inexperienced deforestation and hunting for Palmyre Zoo, France, in July via an primiparous female, the vet decided bushmeat. Currently 66 individuals emergency caesarean performed on her hand-rearing would be in the best (31.33.2) are hosted in 13 European nine-year old mother. Once dystocia interests of the newborn. institutions and only six births have (difficult delivery) had been confirmed, She was put in an incubator at the been recorded in the last 12 months, the veterinary team had to intervene zoo nursery where she was fed by the making this most recent juvenile very very quickly to assist in the birth. keepers. A few days later, her incubator important for the long-term Because the juvenile didn’t present a was put in the corridor of the monkey conservation of the species. 7 CONFERENCE

GREECE IS THE WORD A REPORT FROM THE MEGARON IN ATHENS, WHERE THIS YEAR’S EAZA ANNUAL CONFERENCE TOOK PLACE

David Williams-Mitchell, EAZA Director of Communications and Membership

More than 830 delegates from 365 of the Association, with a step change environment of the region. Dr Leone institutions and 55 countries came in communication and publishing of spoke about the 2030 Sustainable together in Athens in September for research. Thomas also paid tribute to Development agenda of the United five days of discussion, decision-making, Tine Griede from Van Hall Larenstein, Nations, and pointed out that the study and networking at the EAZA who passed away recently. international community is falling Annual Conference. The event began The Prefect of Eastern Attica, Dr behind seriously in the implementation on Tuesday 18 September with the TAG Petros Fillipou, welcomed delegates to of the 2020 goals. As with EAZA, Chairs and EEP Coordinators meetings, Athens and encouraged EAZA Members the United Nations is the product of followed by a lively icebreaker event, to explore the city; he also congratulated its Members, and we all need to work which this year was held in the open-air host Attica Zoological Park, which together to ensure that we manage atrium of the conference venue. And is located in his constituency, on to get plastic pollution of the seas what a venue! The Megaron, the largest the continued development of their under control; we should aim to be concert and conference complex in conservation, education and research remembered as the generation that took Greece, and almost certainly the largest work. Dr Fillipou was followed by the action to make huge changes in our venue EAZA has used, sits in the centre CEO and owner of the park, Jean- lifestyle and ensure a future for nature. of Athens and was able to provide a Jacques Lesueur, who pointed out that UNEP’s Mediterranean Action Plan full suite of rooms while simultaneously this was the first EAZA conference to could be helped by the involvement of hosting concerts upstairs; no mean feat, completely avoid the use of single-use EAZA Members, and Dr Leone called and one that was handled seamlessly by plastics in the catering of the event. for regional institutions to take part and the venue managers. Jean-Jacques explained the history of to influence the post-2020 agenda. This huge space started to look the park, which, with the help of family EAZA Executive Director Myfanwy considerably smaller on Wednesday and friends, he built as a birds-only Griffith also provided her summary of morning as delegates arrived for the facility and opened in 2000. Jean-Jacques the work of EAZA over the past 12 opening plenary session and were spoke of the benefits and support he had months. Much of the work outlined welcomed by EAZA Chair Thomas received from EAZA, and thanked the in the EAZA Strategy 2017–2020 is Kauffels. Thomas reminded delegates Association for the support it had given on target for timely completion across of the new Regional Collection Plans him for almost two decades. the four focal areas. She also showed and EEP structures and highlighted Keynote speaker Dr Gaetano how the EAZA Executive Office some of the work carried out by the Leone, Coordinator of the United staff has grown considerably, with the Association to increase transparency and Nations Environment Programme’s expansion of the Programme, Population our presence at the European Union and Mediterranean Action Plan, introduced Management, Accreditation, EU Policy CITES. He also called for an increase in the work of his group, which is based and Communications departments. 8 participation in the democratic processes in Athens, to protect the marine The expansion also applies to our talk with an introduction to the work will continue to develop as techniques on communications framing carried and participation improve. out by the Public Interest Research In the afternoon, the Assocation’s Centre, an important project aimed Extraordinary General Meeting passed at helping NGOs and environmental changes to the EAZA Constitution, and champions to move conversations away following this important decision, the from the typical media frames of the EAZA Council was convened to discuss economy, politics and power, and towards and provide decisions on a number promoting the intrinsic value of nature. of issues. These can be seen in the The second half of the plenary Noticeboard section at the beginning of looked at progress made by the Silent this issue of Zooquaria. Forest Campaign, EAZA’s two-year Saturday’s first plenary looked at action to help protect Southeast Asian animal welfare and was chaired by Dr bird species from the ravages of the Holly Farmer of Paignton Zoo and songbird trade. Thomas Ouhel and Chair of the Animal Welfare Working Simon Bruslund, prime movers in the Group. Holly introduced the work campaign, provided a clear summary of the group, and was followed by Dr and enthusiastic encouragement for Robert Young of Salford University in EAZA Members to get more involved, the UK, who presented his work on the all while modelling particularly fetching use of sound monitoring and recording Javan green magpie and Nyas Hill myna to measure behaviour and welfare in a costumes! Ian Singleton, of Swiss NGO wide range of species. Dr Lisa Holmes Membership, which has now reached 416 PanEco, introduced the Orang-utan and Graeme Dick presented on the use Members in 47 countries. Myfanwy also Haven project, aimed at protecting of GPS tracking technology to monitor introduced the training opportunities and rehabilitating rescued Sumatran animal behaviour and welfare, such as available at the conference, which orang-utans (Pongo abelii), but with roaming distances in the wild and in included courses on social media, crisis additional space, funded by the Silent zoos; they also presented the results of an communications, fundraising and ZIMS Forest campaign, for the breeding of experiment conducted by placing GPS for Studbooks, and other training that Sumatran laughing thrush (Garrulax trackers on delegates attending the zoo has been developed by the EAZA bicolor), straw-headed bulbul (Pycnonotus visit on Thursday. Dr Gerardo Garcia Academy, including the European zeylanicus) and other important and of Chester Zoo in the UK presented Professional Zookeeper Qualification highly threatened species. his work on the use of thermal imaging Framework (EPZQF). Conservation Thursday’s business, as usual, concluded technology to gauge animal welfare, contributions from Members were also in mid-afternoon to allow delegates to including reading the stress levels of covered, with a considerable increase enjoy a visit to the host zoo. Attica Zoo, animals under a number of conditions, in funding for in situ projects, as well as which covers 20 acres of the countryside and to provide optimal conditions for strong contributions in working time. of Spata, not far from Athens, is host to individual species. The end of the plenary marked the a large collection of birds, mammals and Late in the afternoon, EAZA beginning of the main business of the reptiles, and delegates were treated to Chair Thomas Kauffels closed out the conference, the TAG and Committee fine bird and dolphin demonstrations by conference with the presentation of five meetings that will help define the work knowledgeable and passionate staff. lifetime achievement awards, presented of the Association over the next 12 Friday is traditionally a busy part of by close colleagues to Leif Blomqvist, months. It was gratifying to see active the conference schedule, with a plenary Lydia Kolter, Nate Flessness, Tine Griede, and well-attended meetings across the and the all-important meeting of EAZA Nick Lindsay and Bryan Carroll. Jean- board, testament to the motivation and Council. The plenary, chaired by Dr Jacques Lesueur presented the EAZA flag professionalism of EAZA Member staff Christina Hvilsom of Copenhagen Zoo to the 2019 host of the EAZA Annual working towards the goals of the new and EAZA Research Committee Chair Conference, Luis Angel Martinez of population management structure. Dr Zjef Pereboom of Antwerp Zoo, Bioparco Valencia. The final plenary was Wednesday afternoon’s plenary provided eight presentations covering a followed by an excellent dinner, which looked at two important focal areas of wide range of perspectives on the new included a demonstration of local dance the EAZA strategy, communications Biobank Working Group. The speakers as well as one of a more inclusive nature, and conservation campaigns. Dr Fiona introduced the science (molecular at the Vorres Museum adjacent to Mt. Lethbridge of the UK Science Media biology), the veterinary practice, Hymettos. Centre gave a presentation of how population management applications, EAZA would like to thank the staff her organisation works to bridge the potential legislative obstacles (Nagoya), and management of Attica Zoological communications gap between the media research applications, and in situ Park, the conference organiser Convin, and scientists, with the aim of increasing conservation support that the biobank and all of the speakers and delegates. the accuracy of reporting and promoting project offers, as well as showing the You can find the proceedings of the better public understanding of difficult, links that the project has with external conference on the EAZA Member controversial or complex scientific organisations. The data recording aspect Area website, and video recordings of practice and research. EAZA Director of the project was also introduced. The all plenaries on the EAZA YouTube of Communications and Membership project is plainly becoming an important channel. We look forward to seeing you David Williams-Mitchell followed this resource for zoos and conservationists and in Valencia! 9 CAMPAIGN

SONGBIRD ON THE BRINK HOW THE THREATENED ASIAN SONGBIRD ALLIANCE HAS BROUGHT THE JAVAN GREEN MAGPIE BACK FROM THE BRINK OF EXTINCTION Andrew Owen, Curator of Birds at Chester Zoo, EEP Coordinator for the Javan Green Magpie and Co-Vice-Chair (conservation breeding & reintroduction) IUCN Asian Songbird Trade Specialist Group

The warm, humid afternoon air was Suddenly the unmistakable loud The Javan green magpie really is thick and oppressive. It was filled ringing call of a Javan green magpie a species teetering on the brink of with sounds: the annoying buzz ‘Ekek geling!’ was heard in deep extinction. It was given full species of a mosquito too close to my ear, vegetation, no more than 100 metres status in 2012, when Cissa thalassina the mechanical whirrs and screams from us, quickly answered by a second was recognised for its taxonomic of cicadas starting their evening bird. Then silence. We could barely uniqueness, separated from other serenade, a Javan gibbon’s call echoing control our emotions and our hearts green magpies by its distinctive through the distant forest – but no raced as we desperately scanned the morphology and vocalisations. birdsong could be heard. forest for any sign of movement or a Soon after this revision, it became It was 2014 and I was with a team glimpse of a bright green bird behind clear that the species was rapidly of Indonesian biologists, searching the green wall of vegetation. We disappearing, and that without urgent some of Java’s most remote forests waited until nightfall and returned to action it would be lost for ever. for the Javan green magpie (Cissa the forest at dawn the next day, but Through the direction of TASA, thalassina), one of Southeast Asia’s to no avail; this mysterious bird had EAZA’s very own Threatened Asian most threatened and elusive species. eluded us again. Songbird Alliance, a plan was hatched So far, our searches had been in vain. We left the forest with mixed – to find and rescue any Javan green Rumours of birds surviving in these feelings – disappointed to have not magpies from the trade, or those that ancient forests were nothing more actually seen the bird, but elated by might be held by private bird keepers than that; and worse still, we heard the knowledge that it still existed. and establish an assurance population. stories of bird trappers getting there Prior to our encounter, it had been Cikananga Wildlife Centre, with its months or years before us to catch the almost 10 years since it had last been threatened-bird conservation-breeding last remaining birds. seen in the wild by an ornithologist. aviaries, was the obvious choice to 10 OWEN ANDREW pioneer this project, as a number of large zoological institution with four This magpie is, of course, the EAZA zoos were already actively separate zoos spread over Java and flagship species for EAZA’s Silent supporting their work and were able to Bali, already actively supporting the Forest campaign and one of the help guide the project. conservation of a number of other campaign’s projects is ornithological threatened Indonesian species. surveys of west and central Java’s most FIRST STEPS Additionally, it was now felt that important mountain forests. This After months of searching, a few to avoid the potential risk of further vital work has already started and is individuals were found in remote catastrophe (through theft or disease being carried out by local BirdLife villages in the hands of private keepers outbreak), we should move some of partner Burung Indonesia, Manchester or on dirty market stalls. These birds the birds out of the region. With the Metropolitan University and other were often long-term captives with help of Taman Safari, who quarantined local stakeholders. The data gathered no provenance of when or where they birds from Cikananga and helped with will help to inform decision-makers were trapped. Their faded dull-blue the complex transport arrangements, and provide scientific evidence for the plumage was the only indication of the six pairs of Javan green magpies finally need for further forest protection as time they had spent in captivity. arrived in Chester Zoo in October well as feed into a recovery plan for Magpies of the genus Cissa are 2015 after a nail-biting 38 hours in the species. unique in that they require a certain transit, which involved delays, last- The conservation of the Javan green yellow pigment (lutein) obtained minute negotiations with government magpie is a perfect example of what we from their mainly invertebrate diet to agencies and missed connecting flights. now call the One Plan approach. maintain their vibrant colouration of After quarantine at Chester, four Real progress has been made in a bright apple-green plumage and coral- pairs were moved to their new facilities very short period of time. Birds have red bill and feet. Without this, they at the zoo and pairs were sent to Jersey been recovered from the trade and a fade to washed-out, pale blue versions Zoo and Prague Zoo, both EAZA conservation-breeding programme has of their former selves. institutions with excellent songbird been initiated across two geographic Within a few months of arriving at breeding experience. regions. Husbandry methods are the breeding centre and receiving the An EEP was started in 2016, which being perfected and shared between correct natural diet, the birds started was the first of its kind working with participating organisations. Education to regain their beautiful colours and such a threatened bird both in Europe initiatives have begun with Chester were showing signs of breeding. and in its range country. Zoo’s Discovery & Learning team, The first chick was hatched and working with local communities successfully reared in 2013, and in STEADY PROGRESS around Cikananga, and Taman Safari’s the years that followed, more founder Two years on and the albeit still KASI foundation is doing the same birds were rescued, husbandry skills small ex situ population is looking around its zoological parks. were perfected by local staff trained remarkably healthy, thanks to Of course there is no room for and mentored by EAZA zoo avian successful breeding taking place at complacency, as the known global managers and volunteers, and breeding Chester, Prague and Jersey. Both of the population is still tiny; with only 68 has increased. latter received second pairs of birds in birds kept in eight institutions across With the population steadily 2018, as did two new EAZA songbird two regions, the future of the species growing, the next step was to establish specialist institutions, Waddesdon still hangs in the balance. Birds still a network of satellite populations Manor and Newquay Zoo, each of occasionally turn up in bird markets, in the region with good zoological which received pairs in 2018. Taman but numbers in the wild are believed institutions working together to build Safari Prigen, TSI’s park in East Java, to be extremely low. a strong ‘safety-net’ population. took five pairs of Javan green magpies The Indonesian government has However, in 2014, disaster struck, from TSI Bogor in early 2018 and have recently added the Javan green magpie when during a series of night-time recently fledged their first chick. and other threatened songbirds to raids on the Cikananga centre, a total With a 100 per cent known pedigree its protected list, and it is hoped of 142 Critically Endangered birds and an overall gene diversity of 94 that stronger law enforcement will were stolen. Only one Javan green per cent in the living population and help protect this species for future magpie was taken, but the thefts, an annual growth rate of 17 per cent generations. thought to have been carried out (based on the past three years), this The next steps are for conservation by gangs linked to the illicit illegal project makes other studbook keepers practitioners from multiple bird trade, decimated the breeding rather envious! We are learning a disciplines (avian managers, field programme for the equally rare great deal about the biology, dietary biologists, reintroduction specialists, Black-winged myna (Acridotheres and breeding requirements for this veterinarians, educators, government melanopterus). wonderful species and the first EAZA authorities and NGOs) to work These shocking events only Best Practice Guidelines are currently together to develop a conservation increased our urgent need to move in preparation. action plan for the species. birds and reduce the risk, so in 2014, The Javan green magpie EEP is the It is hoped that in the future, Java’s the Taman Safari Indonesia (TSI) first such programme for a bird species verdant mountain forests will once zoo near the city of Bogor, received to be officially approved under the new again echo with the calls of this five birds from Cikananga. TSI is a EEP structure. wonderful and mysterious bird. 11 CONFERENCE

Reaching across the world THE 73RD WAZA ANNUAL CONFERENCE APPROVED A RAFT OF GLOBAL INTIATIVES THAT WILL EXPAND AND STRENGTHEN ITS REACH AND INFLUENCE

Doug Cress, Chief Executive Officer, WAZA

At the 73rd WAZA Annual Conference, Sustainability Award went to Wellington WAZA expanded its suite of held on 21–25 October in Bangkok, Zoo in New Zealand. sustainable development agreements Thailand, the World Association of Zoos ‘WAZA is in an exciting position, in Bangkok, signing a Memorandum and Aquariums (WAZA) stepped further poised to tackle critical global issues of Understanding with the Forest into the international arena by voting going forward,’ said WAZA President Stewardship Council (FSC) that called to organise a high-level Global Species Dr Jenny Gray. ‘The annual conference on 50 per cent of WAZA members to Congress that will align with major really saw the global zoo, aquarium be committed to sourcing 70 per cent biodiversity summits. and conservation community coming certified sustainable wood and paper WAZA delegates also committed to together and taking decisive action products by 2023. FSC, meanwhile, sustainable forestry guidelines, approved on significant matters. WAZA and its agreed to increase its FSC-certified a WAZA Global Strategy that will bring members are becoming a global force for forests globally by 50 per cent by 2023, more than 100 new institutions and change.’ with an emphasis on natural forests in associations into WAZA, and voted to WAZA delegates embraced the tropical regions. close one of Thailand's most notorious WAZA Global Strategy, which calls for One year ago, WAZA signed MoUs zoos. More than 250 delegates from 46 the rapid expansion of the membership with United Nations Environment countries heard keynote speakers such as into regions and countries in Asia, to eliminate single-use plastic among United Nations Messenger of Peace Dr Africa and Latin America where WAZA 50 per cent of the membership by Jane Goodall (pictured), crane expert Dr had little or no impact to date, and an 2023, while a similar MoU with the George Archibald, Forest Stewardship emphasis on recruiting more aquariums Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil Council director Kim Carstensen, and to better equip WAZA to address marine (RSPO) committed at least 50 per cent Thai conservationist Professor Pilai and freshwater issues. As many as 135 of the members to using only certified Poonswad. new members could be fast-tracked into sustainable palm oil. The 73rd WAZA Annual Conference WAZA in 2019. WAZA delegates also took the bold was the first-ever staged in Southeast WAZA also agreed to take the lead step of resolving to close the Pata Zoo, Asia. WAZA delegates visited the Khao in organising a Global Species Congress a dilapidated institution atop the Pata Kheow Open Zoo outside Bangkok in the coming years, based on a 2008 shopping mall in downtown Bangkok, midway through the conference, and the resolution by the International Union which includes endangered species such WAZA Secretariat worked closely with for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as gorilla, bonobo, rhinoceros hornbill, the Zoological Parks Organisation (ZPO) that called for an international summit Komodo dragon, chimpanzee and orang- Thailand to ensure the conference ran ‘to highlight the status of the planet's utan among the 300 animals in the two smoothly. species, articulate and review the floors of exhibits. Numerous WAZA WAZA honoured former Sedgwick consequences of the threats that they delegates visited the zoo during the County Zoo director Mark Reed with face, and chart their future conservation’. conference – including Dr Goodall, who the WAZA Heini Hediger Award, an ‘WAZA is uniquely placed to play in her keynote address called on WAZA accolade given to leaders in the global a leadership role in staging a Global delegates to act – and WAZA passed a zoo and aquarium community. Reed, Species Congress,’ said WAZA resolution to help improve welfare and who retired in 2016 after 37 years at the Executive Director Doug Cress. ‘An husbandry standards at the Pata Zoo, as Kansas institution, also served eight years international forum that focuses squarely it works with Thai government officials as a member of the WAZA Council. on species is long overdue, and will play to close the zoo as soon as possible. The WAZA Conservation Award an important role in aligning with major The 74th WAZA Annual Conference was given to Taronga Zoo in Australia, assemblies on environment, biodiversity will be held on 3–7 October 2019 in 12 while the WAZA Environmental and conservation in the years ahead.’ Buenos Aires, Argentina. Amphibians and EAZA: Updates from the Amphibian TAG and conservation partners

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: BONY-HEADED TOAD © BENNY TRAPP; MONTSENY BROOK NEWT; PIPA PIPA FROG; ANDRIAS DAVIDIANUS ENCOUNTERED IN GUIZHOU PROVINCE © ZSL LONDON ZOO CONSERVATION Action for amphibians COLLABORATION AND CO-OPERATION ARE THE KEY TO SPECIES SURVIVAL

Candace Hansen-Hendrikx, Director of Operations, Amphibian Survival Alliance

A world that is unsafe for amphibians is unsafe for other species, including us, and saving amphibians has never been more important than it is now. The proportion of amphibian species threatened with extinction is now more than 40 per cent, making them the most globally threatened vertebrate group. Although their contributions often go unnoticed, amphibians are an intrinsic part of our lives. Their skin secretions may offer hope in the battle against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, AIDS, Alzheimer's, cancer and numerous other diseases. Studies using amphibians as model organisms have facilitated many Nobel Prize-winning advances in science and medicine. Amphibians are an essential part of our living world, alerting us to adverse environmental change. Their loss will have profound repercussions for our world. Home to over 7,900 species, our world is becoming increasingly unsafe for amphibians. Their loss is being driven by many familiar problems, including SOME OF THE MANY CONTRIBUTIONS THAT AMPHIBIANS MAKE TO OUR WORLD. PHOTO: ROBIN MOORE habitat destruction, climate change, disease, invasive species, pollution Amphibian Specialist Group (ASG) Partner – that an Amphibian Fund in and unregulated use and trade. These and Amphibian Ark (AArk), to achieve his honour could be created. This will problems are extremely pertinent to our shared vision of ‘Amphibians provide an annuity stream of strategic us, and to all species. And they require thriving in nature’. As part of our new funding, thus easing the need for short- collaborative solutions. governance structure, both of these term fundraising to sustain the work The Amphibian Survival Alliance bodies now act as ASA Advisors. This of ASA. It also provides donors with a (ASA), established in 2011, is building better reflects how our three networks funding structure that not only grows an active and collaborative global relate to each other, and how we can their donation, but also puts it to work partnership committed to creating a support each other most effectively. in the timeframe required for action. better world for amphibians through ASA is continuing to work towards a SE has been funding and contributing coordinated conservation action. Since world where amphibians are valued for staff time to complete the Second 2016, ASA has progressed through a their beauty, variety and contributions Global Amphibian Assessment. Led re-structuring period, including the to the planet. But it is our Partners who by the IUCN SSC Amphibian Red development of a new strategic plan are at the forefront of this movement List Authority (ARLA), this initiative to guide our actions from 2017 to to secure a better future for amphibians. updates the conservation status of all 2021. Using this new strategy, we have We wanted to share with readers some amphibians on the IUCN Red List. focused our efforts over the past year on of the many highlights of the incredible This support has enabled 221 new strengthening both our governance and work that our Partners have undertaken and updated species assessments to be our partnership. We have now entered a over the past year alone, which is published for six priority regions of new and revitalised period where we are already making a positive impact. Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Madagascar, more accountable to our Partners, and At the end of July 2017, the world Panama and West and Central Africa. better designed to address the ongoing lost a founding father of amphibian A total of 1,051 amphibian species are challenges of amphibian conservation. conservation, Dr George B. Rabb. under review with their support. Over the past year, we have focused Just a few weeks before George passed In 2016 the Durrell Wildlife on working more closely with two key away, he agreed with Adam Sweidan Conservation Trust, ASA and ASG coordinating bodies in global amphibian – Founding Trustee and Chair of Madagascar began to implement The 14 conservation, the IUCN SSC Synchronicity Earth (SE), an ASA Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) project ‘Building a Future for the $44,000 to expand the Yal Yunin Yul granulosum), El Rincón stream frog Amphibians of Madagascar’; its goal is Witz Amphibian Reserve in Guatemala (Pleurodema somuncurense) and to strengthen national co-ordination of in collaboration with Fundaeco, Botsford’s leaf-litter frog (Leptolalax amphibian conservation in Madagascar and, as part of their Search for Lost botsfordi). ZSL staff members were also and help to implement the New Species programme, protected more part of several key research publications Sahonagasy Action Plan. A network habitat for the recently re-discovered including a long-term study published is now being developed for Malagasy Jackson’s climbing salamander in Science identifying Asia as the organisations engaged in amphibian (Bolitoglossa jacksoni), whose status hotspot for all chytrid fungi that infect survey and monitoring to bring groups had been unknown since its discovery amphibians, and the point of origin of together to share knowledge and in 1975, as well as for two other the global pandemic Batrachochytrium experiences; to help build capacity rediscovered salamanders (Bradytriton dendrobatidis (Bd), and how variants and offer advice; to identify grant and silus and Nyctanolis pernix) and an are circulating in the global amphibian funding opportunities; and to provide entire community of rare and endemic trade. They were also part of research a platform to share information. In Guatemalan wildlife. on the open source method for isolating addition, staff are identifying groups Zoological Society of London chytrid fungi while minimising impacts that can help to develop an amphibian (ZSL), through a Darwin Initiative- on wild amphibian populations. education programme to build in- funded project on Chinese giant Key amphibian areas saw increased country awareness and knowledge of salamanders, revealed that not only is protection thanks to the Rainforest their unique amphibian fauna. the world’s largest amphibian extremely Trust (RT) in 2017. Sites protected this Using the Amphibian Conservation depleted or functionally extinct across past year include the Caloola Nature Action Plan (ACAP) as its guide, large areas of its natural range, but also Refuge and Daintree National Park in Global Wildlife Conservation (GWC) that it actually appears to comprise at Australia, Cerro Amay in Guatemala, has put amphibian conservation among least five distinct genetic lineages, some Cerro Chucantí Private Nature Reserve its highest priorities. GWC has been of which are now exceedingly rare and in Panama, El Dorado Bird Reserve supporting projects and initiatives possibly extinct in the wild. Four EDGE in Colombia, and Río Canandé and that feed into the IUCN Red List for Fellows were involved in the Chinese Tapichalaca Reserves in Ecuador. All numerous groups of species, including giant salamander project. In addition, are key to preventing the loss of critical the Global Amphibian Assessment five early career conservationists habitat for threatened amphibians. update, run by the ARLA. Its support supported through EDGE Fellowships RT also provided funding to support ensures that current extinction risk are currently working on the purple the amphibian update on the IUCN assessments are available to the global frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis), Red List, in particular the assessment conservation community. Madagascar frog (Mantidactylus pauliani), or reassessment of over 1,000 species In addition, GWC has raised over granular salamander (Ambystoma in collaboration with ASA Partners GWC, SE, and IUCN. RT joined the Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) Partnership alongside ASA in 2017, protecting places that include vital habitats for threatened species. Through this partnership, RT is contributing to conservation efforts for species that are often overlooked by other conservation campaigns, including amphibians. Finding effective remedies to the global amphibian extinction crisis demands cooperative, focused and continuous attention from a wide variety of organisations and individuals. ASA Partners are making incredible progress in many directions to make this world a better and safer place for amphibians. But there’s still much more to be done. While our goal is to further catalyse collaborations within the partnership, we are also looking to bring in new partners, groups whose expertise complements and enhances that of the existing partnership by bringing innovation and positive changes to amphibian conservation. If you would SUMMARY OF THE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE AMPHIBIAN SURVIVAL ALLIANCE (ASA), THE IUCN SSC AMPHIBIAN SPECIALIST like to learn more, please contact me at GROUP (ASG), AND AMPHIBIAN ARK (AARK), TOGETHER WITH THEIR SHARED VISION OF ‘AMPHIBIANS THRIVING IN NATURE’. [email protected]. 15 CONSERVATION Fighting for their survival A DECADE IN THE LIFE OF THE GLOBAL AMPHIBIAN CONSERVATION MOVEMENT Dr. Ariadne Angulo, IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, Jennifer Luedtke Global Wildlife Conservation, Marcileida Dos Santos, IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, Phil Bishop, IUCN Amphibian Specialist Group We are living in an unprecedented updated in 2015 and available online, (31%) species in a Threatened category period of human history, as much ACAP is the global conservation (Critically Endangered, Endangered, for its technological developments roadmap for this class of animal. The Vulnerable) and of equal concern is as for the consequences of unabated IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist the large proportion (22%) of Data human population growth and Group (ASG) was established in Deficient (DD) species, of which it is environmental resource use. The 2005 from an amalgamation of the estimated the same proportion of the consequences are such that we are now DAPTF and the Global Amphibian total assessed species (31%) will also considered by many to be in the midst Specialist Group (GASG), initially eventually be assessed as Threatened as of the Anthropocene, a geological focused on habitat protection and new information becomes available. era moulded and defined by human on the science needed to inform The number of species has grown activity. Among the most notorious conservation action. The Amphibian by 25 per cent in the last decade, hallmarks of this era are increasing Ark (AArk) was launched in 2006 to from 5,915 in 2008 to more than carbon dioxide emissions, loss of focus on ex situ conservation. In 2008 7,900 in 2018 (Amphibian Species natural habitats, global-scale pollution the zoo community led the Year of of the World 6.0). Unfortunately, and degradation of fresh water. the Frog (YOTF) campaign, and this the proportions of Threatened and We are also undergoing a sixth mass issue of Zooquaria marks its 10-year DD species in 2008 and 2018 are extinction event, at the forefront anniversary. Then the outcomes of the broadly similar, with 32 per cent at of which are amphibians, the most 2009 Amphibian Conservation Mini- high risk of extinction and 23 per imperiled vertebrate class on earth. Summit facilitated the formation of the cent lacking sufficient information Stories of mysterious recent declines Amphibian Survival Alliance (ASA) for a full assessment. However, from pristine areas across the world in 2011 to coordinate conservation these proportions are preliminary, as were shared anecdotally at the First action. 55 per cent of the species assessed World Congress of Herpetology in Today, these three global networks between 2004–2008 require updating. 1989, raising concerns that these losses – ASG, AArk and ASA – work Furthermore, an additional 1,218 could be a global phenomenon. The together to achieve a shared vision of species need to be assessed for the first Declining Amphibian Populations ‘amphibians thriving in nature’. time for the Red List. This high rate Task Force (DAPTF) was subsequently of species descriptions and the need established to determine the nature EXTINCTION RISK to update old assessments represent and causes of the declines. The While the YOTF campaign was a challenge and a priority for the DAPTF raised funds for seed grants to underway, the GAA was updated to conservation community if the Red support amphibian decline research include more species. The full results List is to continue guiding strategic projects in key areas, resulting in of the initiative were published in the actions. nearly 200 publications over 15 years. Threatened Amphibians of the World In 2008, 63 per cent of all In the early 2000s a major multi- book and also made available on the amphibian species were known to be partner initiative, the Global IUCN Red List of Threatened Species affected by some form of habitat loss. Amphibian Assessment (GAA), used (Red List). The GAA was instrumental Pollution ranked as the second most the IUCN Red List methodology in shaping the global amphibian pervasive threat (19%), followed by to assess the extinction risk of all conservation movement as we know it fire (10%), disease and invasive species amphibians. At the time of its today. At present, the ASG’s externally (8% each). Today, we still have the publication in 2004 the picture that funded Amphibian Red List Authority, same proportion of species affected emerged was alarming: at least one established in 2009, continues this by habitat loss (63%), with a minor in every three amphibian species was work of assessing extinction risk. reduction in the proportion affected threatened with extinction. Causes Red List assessments help inform by pollution (17.5%), a small increase were varied, but habitat loss was the scientists, conservation organisations, in the proportion affected by fires most ubiquitous, and emerging diseases foundations, individual donors, (11%), and marginally more species the most immediately lethal for certain governments and international affected by disease and/or invasive species. agreements, and therefore underpin species (18% combined). Again, these This launched international efforts much of global amphibian conservation figures may change as amphibians are to address the declines and extinctions, action. As of July 2018, the Red List reassessed. starting with an Amphibian contains 6,682 amphibian species. One of the most complex and Conservation Summit (2005) and Of these, 32 are Extinct and two are perplexing threats highlighted during the subsequent publication of a global Extinct in the Wild; for the latter, the GAA and YOTF was the role Amphibian Conservation Action Plan populations in human care are staving of emerging infectious diseases in 16 (ACAP). First published in 2007, off total extinction. There are 2,100 amphibian declines. Since then, our THE COVER OF THE IUCN SSC AMPHIBIAN CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN

THE GREEN-EYED BUSH FROG (RAORCHESTES CHLOROSOMMA), ONE OF THE SEVERAL HUNDRED CRITICALLY ENDANGERED AMPHIBIAN SPECIES

understanding of amphibian chytrid that the campaign met some of its CONCLUSION fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis aims, such as strengthening zoos as Looking at the growth of the (Bd) and how it operates has increased fundraisers and global promoters of amphibian conservation movement considerably, although there are still conservation. YOTF contributed over the last decade, it is clear that no widespread acceptable mechanisms to the improvement of amphibian the ACAP has assisted in guiding to eradicate the fungus once it is husbandry research in zoos and targeted action, stimulated research present in an area. A second species of motivated zoos to support efforts that provides greater insights and lethal chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium towards conservation of amphibians new understanding, and built salamandrivorans (Bsal), was identified outside their own institution. For those bridges and effective collaborations, in the last few years. Bsal originates zoos that invested in external projects, which have flourished among key from Asia and has travelled to the majority chose to do so for in situ stakeholders at both the local and Europe via the pet trade, where it conservation. Few zoos invested in global levels. However, this growth is has decimated native salamander both in situ and ex situ conservation, not commensurate with the current populations. The interplay between but those that did were in developed needs, and we still have some daunting trade and emerging infectious diseases countries and invested up to four challenges ahead. Some of these could be deadly to naïve salamanders, times more in ex situ and three times include raising awareness and nurturing so international efforts are being more in in situ conservation than their behavioural change, building capacity coordinated to prevent Bsal from counterparts. However, important in research and action, ensuring entering North America, the world’s tools such as the Amphibian Ark efficient coordination at all levels, and salamander hotspot. Conservation Needs Assessments, finding much-needed resources. It is which helps prioritise the conservation therefore critical that networks and YEAR OF THE FROG of individual species, has not been partnerships continue to grow and The aim of the YOTF was to increase widely used within the zoo community, commit to addressing top amphibian amphibian conservation efforts by and many of those surveyed were not conservation priorities together. raising public awareness, promoting aware of this tool. A future amphibian Key to this growth and the vision of amphibian conservation by zoos, campaign would benefit from ‘amphibians thriving in nature’ is the aquariums and botanical gardens, and supporting effective collaborations inclusion of all relevant communities, raising funds to address the amphibian between the scientific community and including the important contributions crisis. practitioners in zoos, particularly those of the zoo and aquarium community. A questionnaire-based survey of zoos based in developing countries Please consider joining us in our 43 zoo curators from 14 countries and in need of more research capacity, effort to save amphibians or tell us evaluated the campaign’s impact as well as connecting zoos to existing about what you have been working on and how it influenced amphibian global amphibian networks such as by contacting ASG Co-Chair Ariadne

DAVID V RAJU CC DAVID conservation at zoos. Results indicated ASG, AArk and ASA. Angulo at [email protected]. 17 CAMPAIGNS The year of the frog TEN YEARS AFTER THE LAUNCH OF EAZA'S 'YEAR OF THE FROG' CAMPAIGN, WE ASSESS ITS ACHIEVEMENTS

Gerardo Garcia, TAG Chair and Curator of Invertebrates and Lower Vertebrates, Chester Zoo, UK

Ten years ago, EAZA launched the working hard, developing responses diversity of in situ programmes and also Year of the Frog Campaign, the first to the huge wave of challenges that builds bridges between institutions and joint campaign between Amphibian this taxon is facing in situ and in our amphibian in situ conservation. The Ark (AArk), the World Conservation institutions. A great deal of time initiatives that many of you have taken Union (IUCN) Conservation Breeding has been spent on raising the value have encouraged other institutions to Specialist Group, the IUCN Amphibian of amphibians in our institutions, have amphibians in their collection and Specialist Group and the World addressing animal welfare and the support conservation efforts. Association of Zoos and Aquariums sustainability of populations in human Since 2008, diverse analysis and (WAZA). It was a unique approach, care, developing applied research and initiatives have been published by to run a global campaign with all the connecting with in situ conservation. different organisations and researchers, regional zoo associations to address one Putting amphibians on the agenda identifying gaps in the conservation of of the most rapid major mass extinctions of EAZA institutions, particularly amphibians. They also highlight the we have ever faced. So, 10 years on, considering collection plans and need for zoos and aquariums to be more how has this campaign affected global exhibit planning, became an important effective in their species selection and amphibian conservation? objective. We wanted to move conservation impact for this group. EAZA’s Year of the Frog campaign amphibians away from being just an Many of them stress the importance fully supported the global campaign but ‘accessory’ to playing a key role. of where to work and which species to added further goals to support European To achieve these objectives, we work with, but unfortunately many of ex situ activities. Its targets were: developed multiple husbandry and them fail to fundraise successfully for • to generate public awareness and conservation workshops and courses these strategies. Why do we not succeed understanding of the amphibian in different countries, supported by a at this, and what are we missing in the extinction crisis; wide range of professionals building process? There are probably several • to raise funds for implementing the capacity around the whole organisation. reasons, as these problems are not ex situ aspects of ACAP (Amphibian Amphibian animal and veterinary staff unique to amphibians but occur with Conservation Action Plan); from EAZA institutions working in other taxa, too. • to encourage further EAZA Member conjunction with field researchers and All of us in EAZA are facing new participation in amphibian ex situ private breeders formed a core group challenges and we must be pro-active. conservation, and with a single objective – to support The Amphibian TAG has been • to raise awareness and funds to amphibian conservation. invigorated by new participants (and support and supplement the activities The difficulties of working with these we’re still looking for more) and a new of the EAZA AArk. species were increased by the threat strategy is in progress. A new Regional In addition, the ultimate goal of this of emerging diseases such as Bd and Collection Plan is providing a more campaign was to achieve a more Bsal. These significantly constrain the effective selection of species to focus on, active position in the IUCN and the moving of the taxa between institutions and animal health and welfare topics are zoo community as leaders in global and potential translocations. To being discussed. The applied research conservation. address the situation, we immediately approach has been expanded further, Fundraising for the campaign was a implemented quarantine protocols and proving how complex amphibians are challenging strategy, as there weren’t facilities, and we continue to progress. (whereas in the past it was thought that specific projects to support; instead there At the beginning of the campaign, they were ‘cheap and easy to breed’). was a global grant system, where anyone there were only a symbolic number of Conservation in situ requires thorough in the world could apply for amphibian species in monitoring programmes (in analysis and a global approach of conservation support. It was totally new fact, it was only the mountain chicken conserving ecosystems in conjunction for EAZA, but provided opportunities frog in 2008). It was very difficult to with other groups. It is clear that joining for institutions, researchers and persuade our colleagues to lead on forces with groups working with other organisations to engage in amphibian new species programmes, as they were taxonomic species such as mammals and conservation. The results were pretty wary of the technical challenges of birds (as for invertebrates or fish) rather successful; the campaign raised over using SPARKS to record tadpoles and than working in isolation is more likely E418,000, which was used to directly clutches. Fortunately, ZIMS arrived just to result in long-term success. support grants for 29 projects related in time, and we now have six high- There are very exciting times ahead to a range of topics associated with profile species programmes, and more for this TAG, and we are delighted to be amphibian conservation. are being developed. getting increased attention and support Meanwhile a small group from the Highlighting the efforts of institutions from EAZA Members, which will surely 18 Amphibian TAG (ATAG) has been reinforces the need to increase the increase in the years to come. POPULATION MANAGEMENT Immaculate conservation AN UPDATE FROM AN ATAG EEP BEGINS WITH THE CURIOUS STORY OF SOME MEXICAN NUNS, A COUGH SYRUP AND A CRITICALLY ENDANGERED AMPHIBIAN

Gerardo Garcia, EEP Coordinator and Curator of Invertebrates and Lower Vertebrates, Chester Zoo, UK

In June 2018, a minor media storm will then be possible. The EEP will was whipped up around a story about also appoint a veterinary advisor and amphibian conservation in Mexico Chester Zoo is currently providing an – more specifically, the discovery by internship for a Mexican veterinarian, the Western media that nuns at a Erika Servin, to develop her skills with convent on Lake Patzcuaro are playing the species for application in situ. At an important part in the breeding Lake Patzcuaro, local stakeholders are of achoque (Ambystoma dumerilii). developing survey techniques to study The revelation that the Sisters the current distribution of the wild of Immaculate Health have been population; a recapture study of marked including an unspecified ingredient animals will start once the techniques derived from the species in their patent for marking are seen to work; and a cough syrup for 150 years, and that wider evaluation of the different ex situ their breeding had preserved important populations and their genetic diversity genetic diversity, was irresistible to will also begin. the press. For the first time, a religious (CRIP). A three-day workshop for Another important factor, as with community was being associated with all the stakeholders for this species, most conservation projects, is the amphibian conservation. including from the EEP, was held in education of communities in the Behind the headlines, however, there’s November 2017, and produced an vicinity of the habitat. The principal a lot more to the story. The species, action plan that united the facilities challenges will be to prevent further which lives only in the lake and is and EAZA in a number of urgent filling in of the lake and pollution classified as Critically Endangered on the actions. through use of chemical fertilizer and IUCN Red List due to a combination Gerardo Garcia, Chair of ATAG discarding of refuse, and to reduce of factors (pollution, introduction of and Coordinator of the EEP, and pressure from the fisheries on the invasive fish and over-exploitation), Adam Bland, lead amphibian keeper at lake. It is currently unclear whether is in serious danger of extinction in Chester Zoo, UK, visited Patzcuaro in a widespread eradication of common the wild. In the past, the salamander April 2018 and the project team started carp (Cyprinus carpio) and other and another endemic of the lake, the tagging animals, using visual implant introduced fish will become necessary whitefish Chirostoma( estor estor) used elastomers (VIE) for young animals – the two species appear to have to be a popular local dish, sourced from and larvae, and passive integrated coexisted for decades, but perhaps the lake. Mass extraction of animals for transponders (PIT) for adults. Tissue the additional pressures of pollution human consumption fell from 19 tonnes samples have also been taken, and and bycatch may have made the to 2 tonnes in the four years from 1987, analysis is ongoing to check diversity coexistence unsustainable. As a result, and since the early 1990s, bycatch of of all the populations and to develop getting local populations on side with the species from the local fishery has microsatellites. All the stakeholders, the wider project is essential. nearly wiped out the last few animals in including the nuns at the convent, are At present, achoque are kept at ZSL the lake, removing them from the local involved in these measures, which will London, Vienna, Cerza, Dusseldorf, gastronomy and culture. lead to the development of a studbook Zagreb and Chester Zoos – all derived These days the achoque is found only for the EAZA population. EAZA and from founders at Vienna and Turtle at a couple of locations in the lake, the Mexican stakeholders are jointly Island in Graz, Austria. Additional according to local fishermen. These developing Best Practice Guidelines animals are kept by private breeders in also are affected by fish louse and for the species, to allow for its wider Europe and the United States. With anchor worm infection from invasive distribution across our network. a species committee now formed, and fish species, whose impact on the Over the next year or so, the the work well under way, the EEP remaining population is still unknown. EEP and Manchester Metropolitan will be looking for new holders soon. However, there are several well- University in the UK will work to This is a very visible and important established breeding facilities for the develop microsatellites and use the conservation project in which EAZA species, including not just the stocks genetic samples to complete an analysis Members can play an important kept by the Sisters, but also populations of diversity within the existing EAZA role. If you might be interested in held at the University of Michoaca population and in the lake; with the keeping achoque at your institution, in San Nicolas de Hidalgo, and at the studbook complete later in the year, please contact Gerardo Garcia, EEP Regional Centre for Fishery Research active management of the population Coordinator: [email protected]. GERARDO GARCIA GERARDO 19 CONSERVATION

Saving the lemur leaf frog AN ESB UPDATE ON BRISTOL ZOO’S CRITICALLY ENDANGERED LEMUR LEAF FROGS

Tim Skelton, Curator of Reptiles & Amphibians, Bristol Zoological Gardens, ESB Keeper

The lemur leaf frog (Agalychnis lemur), is one of the amphibian improve our information for future breeding recommendations. jewels of Central America: a stunningly beautiful but delicate Frogs at Manchester Museum were also tested, and we paired tree frog that occurs in just three small sites within Costa Rica. up frogs based on heterozygosity values within this limited Classed as Critically Endangered (Cr) in the IUCN Red List population. This unfortunately yielded very limited success of Threatened Species, this frog historically had a much more and eventually we went back to a group-managed system, extensive range in Costa Rica, but has suffered huge declines which meant that we had to have a representative from each over recent years due to habitat loss and disease outbreaks such clutch of spawn found in enclosures tested at the lab at Salford as chytrid fungus. University to decipher its parentage. Its current range includes Panama and Colombia, but it is In 2016 this breeding programme was officially recognised thought that these populations may actually be a different by EAZA as an ESB, and we now have 10 institutions holding species or sub-species, and so further work needs to be done and breeding around 134 frogs. However, only Bristol Zoo and here to clarify this situation. Manchester Museum in the UK and Norden’s Ark in Sweden Bristol Zoo obtained its first groups of lemur leaf frogs from currently hold animals from the core genetically managed Andrew Gray at Manchester Museum – part of Manchester group. Other institutions have obtained ‘surplus animals’ in University – back in 2001. At first we had some limited success order to hone their husbandry skills before becoming involved maintaining and breeding small groups of the frogs in a back with the core managed group in the future. Amphibian Ark room of the reptile house, where the temperature was not as ex situ management guidelines were produced in 2011 and warm as in the main display area. We succeeded where many we hope to use these to formulate official EAZA guidelines other institutions did not, and as a result, we have continued shortly. the relationship with Andrew and the Manchester Museum to Bristol Zoological Society’s heavy involvement in the new the present day. lemur leaf frog ESB in turn spawned a field expedition in 2018, Moving forward, and inspired by the EAZA Amphibian in which colleagues visited the previously recorded localities of campaign of 2007/2008, we raised sufficient funds to enable lemur leaf frog habitation, as well as others recommended by us to develop a purpose-built climate controlled ‘amphipod’ local amphibian specialists. Despite finding all other leaf frog at Bristol Zoo. This became a reality in 2009, and we are now species at various locations in Costa Rica, the lemur frog was able to maintain lemur leaf frogs in near ideal conditions under seen only in the two artificially managed sites to which it has permanent quarantine, enabling us not only to safeguard these been translocated within the last 15 years. A relatively large frogs, but also to protect from invasive diseases the native proportion of Costa Rica, and particularly higher elevation amphibian species that reside within the zoo’s grounds. forests, is under protection. But many locations that once In the early days, we maintained the frogs in small groups hosted lemur leaf frog populations are now near major road of four to six individuals and allowed breeding within these routes, and have probably changed a lot in the last 40 years, so groups without determining individual parentage. However, it is perhaps not surprising that there were no sightings here. It for the last 10 years or so, we have been managing them is important now to investigate the species in its known area of as individuals on ZIMS and using photographic records to occupation, particularly as amphibian infection by the chytrid identify them accurately and to enable more accurate breeding fungus seems to benefit from the higher temperatures that are records to be kept. found at the frog’s increasingly scarce lower elevation habitat In 2014, through an MSc. project at Salford University in in Costa Rica. the UK and in conjunction with the Manchester Museum, Only by pushing further to understand the species in its we participated in a genetic study to have all of our lemur leaf natural habitat can we hope to align future conservation action 20 frogs swabbed and tested in order to determine relatedness and with what will benefit the species most. CONSERVATION GENETICS Amphibian advice EAZA DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS DAVID WILLIAMS-MITCHELL SPEAKS TO AMPHIBIAN TAG VETERINARY ADVISOR JAVIER LOPEZ OF CHESTER ZOO, UK

DWM: Javier, you are one of the veterinary advisors for the Amphibian TAG. Can you tell us how and why you became interested in treating amphibians? JL: I have always been interested in reptile and amphibian medicine. From very early on in my career, I have been involved with all sorts of amphibian work in zoos, and more widely with conservation projects around the world, such as the mountain chicken frog in Montserrat and the common toad and agile frog in Jersey. My Master’s project, for instance, focused on understanding ranavirus in UK frogs. (Editor’s note: Ranavirus is a highly infectious disease affecting fish and amphibians, and is seen as being one of the major contributory factors to the decline of amphibian populations worldwide.)

DWM: Could you tell us more JAVIER CARRYING OUT A HEALTH CHECK about your involvement with the TAG? How did you become their vet advisor, and what level of DWM: Our readers will almost global warming and increasing human involvement do you have with certainly be aware of the chytrid encroachment, the prevalence or them? fungus, but could you give us an effect of amphibian diseases is likely JL: The TAG was aware of my work with idea of other medical issues that are to increase. In zoos and breeding amphibians, and they approached me threatening amphibians both in the facilities, infectious diseases can often to see if I would be willing to become wild and in captivity? be controlled through quarantine or one of the veterinary advisors for the JL: Chytrid fungus Batrachocytrium treatment; as a result, husbandry-based TAG, along with Sue Thornton. (Sue is a dendorbatidis and B salamandrivorans illness such as metabolic bone disease, partner at veterinary group IZVG, and remain the most serious pathogens can be more prevalent than infection in has previously worked as a veterinarian affecting Anurans (frogs and toads) controlled environments. at ZSL London Zoo). I was delighted and Urodela (salamanders) across to be asked and had no hesitation in the globe and are continuing to DWM: And could you give us a accepting. have a devastating impact on wild summary of where we are at the The Amphibian TAG has always populations. However, these pathogens moment in the fight against chytrid been very proactive in getting the are by no means the only ones. Many and B. Sal? How are they impacting participation of their vet advisors, other diseases are causing damage zoo and other ex situ populations especially contributing to annual to local populations as well as more right now? meetings through talks and workshops. widely, and new diseases are being JL: B. sal is a very important threat to The TAG has further expanded reported as our skills at surveillance Urodela and has had an impact in some its involvement with veterinary and diagnosis increase: Ranavirus, European populations, but there is still a practice and advice over the years, which is killing populations of multiple lot that we don’t know about it in terms the appointment of one more vet frog species through apoptosis of how quickly it can spread and what advisor (Melanie Berthet, Besancon and necrosis, dermatitis caused by species will be affected. Treatments Zoo) and with increased integration Bufonid herpesvirus 1, and so on. Since have been tested for B.Sal, so as long with the TAG group. The TAG aims to amphibians are linked to both terrestrial as amphibians are screened before have a veterinary advisor present and and aquatic environments, they will movement between facilities and providing input at all regular meetings be affected by pathogen introduction enclosures and the disease is detected and catch ups of the TAG. in either biotope. With the effect of early, it should be treatable and we 21 INTERVIEW

DEAD BD-INFECTED ATELOPUS LIMOSUS AT SIERRA LLORONA (POSED TO SHOW VENTRAL LESIONS AND CHYTRIDIOMYCOSIS SIGNS)

should be able to eradicate it from ex situ populations. There other, the former becoming more resistant and the latter less has been legislation passed at European community level that pathogenic. I can see that for some species there may not be shows the importance of this disease, and I am hopeful that enough time for parasite and host to coexist together in order this should help stop the spread of B. Sal. Chytrid continues to adapt to each other, and this may lead to extinction of the to affect wild populations and there’s no pathway yet to host. In this case, a managed genetic component could be eradicating it in the wild; having said this, we are making good useful in speeding up the process. One obviously would need progress in treatment and control in ex situ populations. to be careful to ensure that such management would not modify other desirable characteristics that already exist. DWM: We have seen the establishment of biosecure Eradication of chytrid in the wild is a more complex option, facilities at EAZA Member zoos. Is this still seen as which has not worked so far and might entail having to an important measure, or are efforts being moved remove amphibian carriers from that environment, followed elsewhere? by some means to prevent chytrid gaining access to the area JL: Biosecure facilities are, in my view, the best way to again. This would mean preventing access for other wild keep amphibian populations outside their natural range, amphibians and some means of biosecurity for access to the particularly if they are destined for a conservation programme area – a very complex scenario in a wild population situation. that will result in re-introduction to the wild. There is still a lot that we do not know about amphibian infectious diseases, DWM: From a veterinary point of view, if a zoo is looking including diseases that we may not have discovered yet so to get more involved with amphibians, could you advise cannot screen for. Amphibians in human care could acquire a good starting species? Or should they just get stuck in pathogens from contact from other ex situ species if not with species that urgently need conservation help, such maintained under strict isolation. These pathogens could as the mountain chicken? be introduced into the wild during a reintroduction with JL: Conservation should be at the heart of decisions to keep unforeseen consequences, as has happened before with the species in zoos. However, keeping amphibians is not easy, Midwife toad. as they are fully dependent on us to provide the correct environmental parameters. Being dependent on water and DWM: Zooquaria has spoken in the past to the land and having a massive variety of biological adaptations, Conservation Genetics Specialist Group Chair, who sees they are probably among the most difficult taxa to keep. For genetic alteration as an important new way for species this reason, in my view, it is best to start with an easy, sturdy to adapt to changing conditions such as climate change. model species, similar to the one that has been targeted We have also seen that some amphibians have a natural for conservation, to develop the skills and methods before resistance to chytrid. Should we prioritise breeding moving onto the delicate species. of resistant animals, or attempt to eradicate chytrid in another way? Is there any long-term benefit to be DWM: Assuming you occasionally get a day off, what gained from continuing to breed non-resistant animals? do you like to do that has nothing to do with veterinary JL: It is normally natural selection that does this job in the medicine? wild. When a new pathogen arrives in a naïve population, it JL: Anything family related I love; from watching a movie can have a massive impact on the host, as has happened with together to going for a walk. Otherwise, reading, DIY or chytrid fungus in some species of frog. However, eventually, having a barbecue with friends all help me to get my head 22 with time, both host and parasite tend to adapt to each completely away from work worries. 2007-2017 Contributions Amphibian 3.9 million €uros Conservation

+22000 staff hours

63 projects

Highlighted species 41 amphibian species

Focus Supported Projects Research Golden poison dart frog (Phyllobates terribilis) Conservation education Species and populations

Conservation education

Montseny brook newt Eradication of invasive species (Calotriton arnoldi) Breeding and habitat Ecosystem restoration restoration Palmate newt (Triturus Raising funds helveticus) Conservation research Worldwide projects

General support of 18% € amphibian conservation 80% hours organisations 4.5% € 0% hours 65% € 13.5% hours 6% € 7% hours

6.5 % €

Data Source: EAZA Conservation Database - 1 August 2018Source: Database EAZA Conservation Data 13% hours

CONSERVATION Resisting the SHOOTING ACTION BY NIGHT alien invaders A BULLFROG ERADICATION PROGRAMME IN FRANCE COORDINATED A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT MEASURES TO BRING THIS INVASIVE SPECIES SWIFTLY UNDER CONTROL Eric Bairrão Ruivo, Science, Collection and Conservation Director, Beauval Nature, France, and Gabriel Michelin, responsible for fauna studies, Departmental Committee for Nature and Environmental Protection

Considered to be one of the 100 worst in Sologne, the bullfrog could have alien invasive species in the world increased its territory by about 5km by IUCN, the bullfrog (Lithobates per year if an eradication programme catesbeianus) was discovered in Sologne, had not been implemented after its France in 2002. In the middle of a discovery. Natura 2000 site, its presence directly Several organisations, including affects the indigenous populations of associations, environmental police, the amphibians, which represent 50 per French administration and volunteers cent of the bullfrog’s diet. They also feed work together on this programme, on other prey such as snakes, birds and which is financed by the French fish, which has a considerable impact on government, the EU and private the biodiversity of the environment and institutions, in order to avoid breeding, on the fishing activity. expansion and the dispersal of the Twice a week, teams visit the colonised As it doesn’t have any natural species. A number of measures have ponds to collect the eggs before they predators in this region, and due to the been put in place, starting with the hatch. Originally, the removal of thousands of hectares of stagnant water search and removal of bullfrog clutches. clutches was infrequent and uncertain, but at the time of writing, the most colonised sites are controlled twice a week (Figure 1). Selective shooting, which is carried out with the same frequency as search and collection, makes it possible to collect breeding adults, for which the average weight and density has dropped since the programme was set up (see Figures 2 and 3). Estimates indicate that the breeding population of bullfrogs has dropped by more than 90 per cent since the programme began. Similarly, the individuals’ weight has fallen by FIGURE 1: EVOLUTION OF THE NUMBER OF SITES WITH TADPOLES ACCORDING TO THE LEVEL OF SEARCH PRESSURE more than a half since the measures (SOURCE CDPNE). BLUE: NUMBER OF SITES WITH TADPOLES, ORANGE: NUMBER OF SEARCHES SOURCE CDPNE were put in place. All of these results are TRAPPING BARRIERS attributable to the selective shooting. In addition, trapping barriers are placed around the ponds to stop the dispersal of all the metamorphosed juveniles, and tadpoles are removed from the pond. The success of this programme lies in the synergy of the different measures that have been taken, starting with the early detection of the species in and around the colonised area. The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) makes it possible to locate the species quickly, even if it is present in low densities. This technique has been used 24 since 2011, and the programme was a pioneer in the eDNA use, allowing us not only to detect the presence of bullfrogs but also to confirm that it has been eradicated from some 20 formerly colonised ponds, demonstrating the effectiveness of the eradication programme. Due to its success in Sologne, the programme has now become part of a national scheme funded by LIFE, called project CROAA (Strategic Control of Alien Invasive Amphibians), which harnesses new skills from academia and other sources. Coordinated by the Herpetological Society of France, the LIFE CROAA project aims to improve the conservation status of local populations of native amphibians, weakened by the presence of alien invasive species of amphibians such as bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) and the smooth xenopus (Xenopus laevis). Its goals are as follows: • Identify and implement an optimal strategy to control invasive alien amphibians. • Prevent the introduction of new alien amphibian species by raising awareness among the various individuals and agencies involved, • Follow up on invasive amphibian populations by developing a detection and early assessment system, based on the networking of local individuals with the required expertise (managers and scientists), and using all possible detection techniques including eDNA. • Communicate, inform and train the public with regard to the problem of invasive alien species, in order to FIGURE 2 : ABUNDANCE INDEX OF INDIVIDUALS OVER 100GR (ADULTS) SOURCE CDPNE facilitate the acceptance of control operations, limit the risk of spread and create an alert network. The best eradication programme for an invasive alien species is still, of course, the one that we do not need to perform. It is essential to raise public awareness of the dangers of introducing new species into a natural environment. Zoos and aquariums have an important role in raising this awareness, and the involvement of Beauval Nature with this programme is an example of what EAZA Members can do. For more information on the participating organisations, go to: LIFE CROAA: www.life-croaa.eu CDPNE: www.cdpne.org Beauval Nature: FIGURE 3 : AVERAGE WEIGHTS OF INDIVIDUALS OVER 100GR (ADULTS) SOURCE CDPNE www.beauvalnature.com 25 CONSERVATION

Taking a leap A DECADE OF DEDICATED EFFORT HAS ENSURED PROGRESS FOR DARWIN’S FROG CONSERVATION IN CHILE

Frank Oberwemmer, Conservation Officer, Zoo Leipzig, Germany

Inspired by the Year of the Frog Campaign in 2008, rediscovered in 2010 after decades of absence. Three new Zoo Leipzig became intensively engaged in amphibian container rooms were added to the facility and four Vanzolini conservation and decided to set up a breeding and research frogs were rescued from small patches of natural forest in the facility for Darwin’s frogs (Rhinoderma darwinii) in the city middle of plantations. Unfortunately no male has yet been of Concepción (Chile), based in the grounds of the city’s found to start breeding attempts, but the search continues. university. A five-year agreement between the zoo and the Another development concerns the Darwin’s frog breeding: biological department of the university has secured the future with no other holders in Chile available except the National of the project, which is now already in its second period. Zoo in Santiago, after discussions in the EAZA Amphibian The IUCN Red List classifies this species as Vulnerable, but TAG, five zoos decided to import offspring to Europe to in 2013 it was suggested that the status be re-classified as start a studbook. But the issuing of export permits by the Endangered, thanks to the alarming results of monitoring Chilean authorities took a long time, and in the meantime a across the range area. One reason for this is undoubtedly the disease broke out at the end of 2016 which killed most of all ongoing loss of temperate forest in central and south Chile, Rhinoderma offspring, although the 20 founders were spared. which is often turned into monoculture plantations. Whether Fortunately this disease came to an end in the summer of the Chytrid fungus also plays a role is so far unproven, but 2017, but the export to Europe has to be postponed for several cannot be excluded as a factor. The second species of this years until new offspring have grown to a size of 2.5cm. It genus, Rhinoderma rufum, has not been recorded for over 35 is suspected that this disease was caused by a bacteria or years and seems to be extinct, the reason for which is not virus, but could not be detected in the labs of Concepción entirely clear. University and University Andres Bello in Santiago. At first, the breeding facility was co-funded through the A third promising development is that public and scientific EAZA Amphibian Conservation Fund in 2010 and 2011, interest in the Darwin’s frog has grown considerably thanks and one year later, in 2012, a grant for monitoring and field to the continuous media coverage. Professor Claudio Soto work in the central Chilean private reserve Huilo-Huilo was Azat from University Andres Bello Santiago, one of the main allocated to the project. Since 2009, several hundred Darwin’s experts in this field, organised a public one-day symposium frogs have been bred and many of them have survived to and a two-day workshop for all Chilean and Argentinean adulthood. This species, measuring around 2.5–3cm, has experts from universities, NGOs and state authorities to set developed a special way of caring for the offspring, which up a conservation strategy at a national level. This took place can number up to 12: the male swallows the freshly hatched in November 2017 and Zoo Leipzig was delighted to co-fund tadpoles into a vocal sac and keeps them there for around six the meeting. A diverse strategy was developed, which is now weeks. They are released after their metamorphosis as 4–5 mm being implemented by several stakeholders. Zoo Leipzig has froglets and start to survive on their own. signed an agreement with University Andres Bello to sponsor Now that the project in its 10th year, what are the most the measures needed to implement this strategy for the coming recent developments? five years with a fixed annual grant. First, Concepción University fulfilled its wish to expand Overall, we can say that the project has ensured a better the facility in order to keep a second threatened Chilean understanding of the Darwin’s frog‘s biology and inspired more amphibian species. The Critically Endangered Vanzolini's activities for its conservation. But much more still has to be Spiny-chest Frog (Alsodes vanzolinii) was chosen, which was done to fight the extinction of this unique amphibian species. 26 BARRIENTOS C. CONSERVATION A giant challenge HOW A TEAM FROM ZSL IS PLANNING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR THE CHINESE GIANT SALAMANDER Benjamin Tapley, Shu Chen, Samuel T. Turvey and Andrew A. Cunningham, ZSL London Zoo, UK

The Chinese giant salamander (Andrias historical range of the species using a breeding facility for CGS in China, davidianus) belongs to an ancient group habitat suitability model, which we the lack of founding stock precluded of salamanders (cryptobranchids) that developed using open-source ecological the establishment of such a facility. Ex diverged from their closest relatives data in combination with historical situ conservation is still needed and it during the Jurassic period. The species records (Chen et al., 2018). is imperative that dedicated breeding is considered a global conservation In the field we spent 7.20 cumulative programmes are established in China for priority for maintaining evolutionary person-weeks of active searching and each distinct lineage of CGS. history and is assessed as Critically 7.33 person-years of passive searching. Endangered by the IUCN. The Chinese During this time we detected 24 CGS at REFERENCES giant salamander (CGS) is protected four sites representing a catch-per-unit- • Chen, S., Cunningham, A. A., Wei, G., Yang, J., Liang, by Chinese law, but wild populations effort of 16.23 weeks per individual. At Z., Wang, J., Wu, M., Yan, F., Xiao, H., Harrison, X. A. are still in urgent need of protection. at least two sites where we detected CGS and Pettorelli, N. (2018). Determining threatened Population declines and local population it is highly likely that the animals we species distributions in the face of limited data: spatial extirpations have been attributed to detected had been recently released from conservation prioritization for the Chinese giant overexploitation to supply a rapidly a farm; if these data are excluded, catch- salamander (Andrias davidianus). Ecology and Evolution growing farming industry (Cunningham per-unit effort becomes 3.73 person-years 8(6): 3098-3108. et al., 2016) as well as habitat loss. Whilst per individual (Turvey et al. 2018). • Cunningham, A. A., Turvey, S. T., Zhou, F., Meredith, millions of CGS are actively farmed in This effort is substantially greater than H. M., Guan, W., Liu, X., Sun, C., Wang, Z. and Wu, China, a proportion of farmed stock is that reported for other cryptobranchid M. (2016). Development of the Chinese giant released annually in local rivers as part salamanders. There was evidence of CGS salamander Andrias davidianus farming industry in of a government-endorsed conservation poaching at 24 sites, including within Shaanxi Province, China: conservation threats and initiative. Unfortunately these releases protected areas. Our ecological surveys opportunities. Oryx 50(2): 265-273. occur without genetic or health were verified by the local ecological • Pan, Y., Wei, G., Cunningham, A. A., Li, S., Chen, S., screening and their impact is largely knowledge surveys, which were Milner-Gulland, E. J. and Turvey, S. T. (2016). Using unknown. In 2010, ZSL and partners carried out at villages closest to each local ecological knowledge to assess the status of began a Darwin Initiative-funded project ecological survey site. We interviewed the Critically Endangered Chinese giant salamander to develop the evidence base needed to 2,872 respondents; 85.5 per cent of Andrias davidianus in Guizhou Province, China. Oryx determine future conservation action for interviewees recognised the species, but 50(2): 257-264. this iconic species. the mean last sighting date was 18.96 • Tapley, B., Okada, S., Redbond, J., Turvey, S. T., Despite its large size, the current CGS years earlier (Turvey et al. 2018). Chen, S., Lü, J., Wei, G., Wu, M. Y., Pan, Y., Niu, K. F. distribution is unknown. Historically In collaboration with the Kunming and Cunningham, A. A. (2015). Failure to detect the species was distributed across 17 Institute of Zoology we embarked on the Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) Chinese provinces, but what little a study looking at CGS population in Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, Guizhou research has been undertaken has genetics. We acquired samples from Province, China. Salamandra 51: 206-208. not been standardised and this has 70 wild-caught and 1,034 farm-bred • Tapley, B., Chen, S., Turvey, S. T., Redbond, J., Okada, prevented comparison of results across salamanders and found that the CGS, S. and Cunningham, A. A. (2017). A sustainable study sites. We trialled and developed previously thought to represent a single future for Chinese giant salamanders: Chinese giant standardised techniques for ecological species, consists of at least five distinct salamander field survey manual. Technical report, surveys (Tapley et al., 2015; Tapley et genetic lineages (Yan et al. 2018). Zoological Society of London. Available at: http:// al., 2017) by incorporating methods Individuals detected in our ecological www.amphibians.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ that have been successfully used for surveys in the Pearl and Yangtze CGS-field-manual-final.pdf other Cryptobranchid salamanders, watersheds were of the Yellow River • Turvey, S. T., Chen, S., Tapley, B., Wei, G., Feng, X., including both active and passive matriline, indicating that they were farm Fang, Y., Yang, J., Liang, Z., Tian, H., Wu, M., Okada, survey techniques. We also trialled releases or escapes. Some of the lineages S., Wang, J., Lü, J., Zhou, F., Papworth, S., Redbond, and developed standardised interview appear to be exceedingly rare and J., Brown, T., Che, J. and Cunningham, A. A. (2018). surveys (Pan et al., 2016; Tapley et al., possibly extinct in the wild. Imminent extinction in the wild of the world’s largest 2017). Ten field teams received intensive Our results provide evidence of amphibian. Current Biology 28: R592-R594. training by experienced amphibian catastrophic range-wide population • Yan, F., Lü, J., Zhang, B., Yuan, Z., Zhao, H., Huang, S., surveyors. Between 2013 and 2016 we declines of CGS. It is critical that Wei, G., Mi, X., Zou, D., Xu, W., Chen, S., Wu, M., Xiao, conducted field surveys and interviews in legislation and enforcement is H., Liang, Z., Tapley, B., Turvey, S. T., Papenfuss, T. J., 97 counties across 16 different provinces strengthened in China to ensure that Cunningham, A. A., Murphy, R. W., Zhang, Y. and Che, in what was possibly the largest wildlife any remaining wild populations are (2018). The Chinese giant salamander exemplifies the survey conducted in China. These sites protected. Whilst we received EAZA hidden extinction of cryptic species. Current Biology were selected from across the known funds to develop a conservation 28: R590-R592. 27 EXHIBIT Beyond the bullfrogs IN THE WORLD OF AMPHIBIAN CONSERVATION, HOW FAR HAVE WE COME IN 60 YEARS?

Anne Baker, Executive Director of the Amphibian Ark

Sixty years ago, William Conway FIGURE 1: REPRESENTATION OF VERTEBRATE CLASSES issued a challenge to the zoo and aquarium community with his seminal paper ‘How to Exhibit a Bullfrog: a bedtime story for zoo men’. In his story, a shadowy, red-cloaked man visits Conway (then a Curator at New York Zoological Society’s Bronx Zoo) in a dream and asks why he is trying to buy a pygmy chimpanzee for $5000 when he doesn’t even have a proper exhibit of bullfrogs. Conway uses the question not just to explore the practices of species selection and exhibit design that were current at the time, but also to highlight issues of population management, animal behaviour and ecology, ecosystems, public education conservation. In 1989, at the First (YOTF), a joint effort by EAZA and conservation. World Congress of Herpetology held in and the Amphibian Ark, led to Were Conway’s shadowy man to Kent, England, participants discussed heightened awareness of the challenges visit zoos and aquariums today, he declines that they were seeing in the surrounding amphibians in the wild. would find exhibits that place species populations of amphibians they studied. Although it’s impossible to say how in an ecological context, allowing for Recognising that something unusual many new ex situ amphibian rescue expression of species-typical behaviours, was occurring, Dr George Rabb, then programmes resulted from the YOTF, sophisticated population management Chair of the IUCN SSC, formed the AArk now monitors 107 amphibian programmes that strive to maintain Declining Amphibian Populations ex situ rescue programmes, 66 ex situ the genetic and demographic health Task Force (DAPTF) in 1990. This research programmes and 10 head start of zoo animal populations, education resulted in the Global Amphibian or supplementation programmes in 32 programmes aimed at moving Assessment (GAA), which was begun countries. Interestingly, however, the visitors from caring to knowledge to in 2001 and completed in 2004, and majority of programmes are not in zoos conservation actions, and extensive an Amphibian Conservation Summit or aquariums, which historically have support for field conservation. But in 2005. At that time there were not focused on amphibians. what about those bullfrogs and their approximately 6,000 known species of frog, toad, salamander and caecilian amphibian, and 32 per cent of them INCREASING POPULATIONS relatives? How have they fared in were identified as threatened with The population management chapter the ensuing 60 years? Here again, zoo extinction. Realising that the chytrid of the ACAP provides direction to animal management has come a long fungus was rapidly advancing through ‘establish captive programmes as close way. Today amphibians are displayed Central America, the Amphibian Ark to the indigenous range of a species as in appropriate environments and many (AArk) was formed in 2006. Its charge practically possible’. This presented exhibits include visual and auditory was to identify those species for which challenges for some of the early ex situ displays of amphibian behaviour, continued existence in the wild was programmes. The El Valle Amphibian explained to zoo visitors with engaging, unlikely, and to establish ex situ rescue Conservation Center (EVACC) had often interactive, graphics and videos. populations until such time as it was its beginnings on the grounds of a local Climate and lighting are carefully possible to deal with chytrid in the wild hotel. Subsequently, the development controlled, there are biosecurity and reintroduce animals bred in human of amphibian ‘pods’, modified shipping protocols, and the Amphibian Ark care to their native habitats. At the containers with self-contained website (www.amphibianark.org) offers same time the IUCN/SSC/Amphibian HVAC and water treatment systems, more than 200 amphibian husbandry Specialist Group (ASG) was formed, provided a way to quickly install ex documents, many in Spanish. Available combining the talents of individuals situ holding and breeding facilities through the website, a PopFrog within the DAPTF and the GAA, in more remote areas. Today the computer programme helps manage ex and the first Amphibian Conservation Panamanian golden frogs, along with situ amphibian populations. Action Plan (ACAP) was published in other threatened Panamanian species, However, things don’t look quite so 2007 (Gascon et al., 2007). are housed in a state-of-the-art facility 28 rosy from the perspective of amphibian The 2008 Year of the Frog campaign at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Gamboa Amphibian 1), and the remaining 3 per cent are the host of other amphibian diseases. Conservation and Research Center. divided among invertebrates, corals and There are glimmers of hope that The centre boasts seven amphibian plants. If degree of threat were driving individuals of some species might have pods, which contain animal holding conservation programmes, amphibians an inherent resistance to chytrid, as facilities, a dedicated laboratory, a would be at the top of the list. evidenced by recent discoveries of quarantine facility, offices and a small species thought to have been extinct for exhibition niche. Similar pods can be THE ROLE OF THE ZOO the past 20 years. Much more research found in other locations in Central While the chytrid fungus has caused is needed to understand whether there and South America. A very successful dramatic amphibian declines, multiple is a genetic basis for this resistance, programme at the Museo de La Plata in factors impact the future of amphibian and if so, how to manage ex situ Argentina, led by Dr Federico Kacoliris, populations, including loss of quality conservation programmes to maximise has bred and reintroduced the critically habitat, invasive species, pollution its effect. Finally, with the number of endangered Valcheta’s frog (Pleurodema and harvest for the pet and restaurant identified and named amphibian species somuncurensis) and is now beginning trades. Zoos have the potential to make now above 7,500, we need to develop work with the endangered Patagonia a difference in a number of these areas. new multi-species planning tools. frog (Atelognathus patagonicus). We now Zoos in countries with low amphibian Today Conway’s red-cloaked man have the potential to hold and breed diversity could consider helping to set would probably agree that zoos are amphibians in many parts of the world. up ex situ breeding facilities in zoos doing a better job of managing and Sadly this potential is, to a great in high-diversity range countries as exhibiting bullfrogs. But he might still extent, unrealised. To be sure, there (far) off-exhibit amphibian holding, be sceptical that zoos are meeting the are some excellent amphibian receiving exhibit animals from conservation challenge of ensuring that conservation programmes supported by these facilities once range-country the incredible diversity of amphibians zoos, including one for the mountain populations produced surplus. For 11 will exist into the future. And he might chicken (Leptodactylus fallax), a joint years Denver Zoo has worked with just appear in your dream to ask, ‘What effort of Durrell, ZSL, Chester Zoo Peruvian and Bolivian biologists to is your zoo doing to save the bullfrogs?’ and the governments of Montserrat support ex situ and in situ work with and Dominica. In addition, Durrell the endangered Titicaca water frog REFERENCES has initiated the Save Amphibians (Telmatobius coleus). Three years ago, • Altherr, S., Goyenechea, A., and Schubert, D. from Extinction (SAFE) programme. surplus Titicaca water frogs from the (2011). Canapés to extinction – the international However, were Conway’s shadowy Peruvian ex situ population were sent trade in frogs’ legs and its ecological impact. A figure to visit our dreams today, he to Denver Zoo for exhibition purposes. report by Pro Wildlife, Defenders of Wildlife and might be sceptical about the relatively The frogs have bred and their progeny Animal Welfare Institute (eds), Munich (Germany), small impact that zoos are having on are now exhibited at several US zoos. Washington, D.C (USA). amphibian conservation. Zoos are able to influence public • Conde, D. A., Colchero, F., Gusset, M., Pearce-Kelly, opinion with resulting changes in P., Byers, O., Flesness, N., Browne, R. K., and Jones, A GROWING THREAT behaviour. Estimates are that 4,600 O. R. (2013) Zoos through the Lens of the IUCN As of 1 July, 2018, the IUCN Red List tons of frog legs (representing 90–230 Red List: A Global Metapopulation Approach to of Threatened Species identified 21 per million frogs) are imported into Europe Support Conservation Breeding Programs. PLoS ONE cent of mammals, 13 per cent of birds, each year for human consumption 8(12): e80311. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. 18 per cent of reptiles, 31 per cent of (Jensen and Camp, 2003; Altheer pone.0080311 amphibians, and 14 per cent of fish as et al., 2011). The vast majority of • Conway, W.G. (1958). How to Exhibit a Bullfrog: A Threatened (Critically Endangered, these come from a handful of Asian bed-time story for zoo men. Curator 11(4), 310-318. Endangered or Vulnerable). Neither species, some of which are threatened, • Gascon, C., Collins, J. P., Moore, R. D., Church, D. R., the representation of amphibians in zoo nearly all of which exhibit declining McKay, J. E., and Mendelson III, J. R. (2007). Amphibian collections, nor the representation of populations. Forty-seven amphibian Conservation Action Plan. IUCN, Gland, 62 pp. amphibian conservation programmes species have been identified as primarily • Hoffman, M, Church, D, Collins J P et al., (2008). in the WAZA database, mirror the threatened by unsustainable collection Amphibian Conservation: responding to the global percentage of threatened amphibian for the international pet trade, with decline of amphibians. In Stuart, S. N., ed., Threatened species in the IUCN Red List. An the majority of frog species coming Amphibians of the World, Lynx Edicions., Barcelona; analysis of Species360 data (Conde from Latin America and Madagascar IUCN, Gland, Switzerland; and Conservation et al., 2013) indicated that 23 per (Hoffmann et al., 2008), and newt International, Arlington, Virginia, USA 114-124. cent of threatened mammal species species from Southeast Asia (Rowley et • Jensen J. B. and Camp C. D. (2003). Human were represented in zoo collections, al., 2016). Focus on the impacts of these exploitation of amphibians: direct and indirect compared to 16 per cent of birds and 22 specific patterns of human use could impacts. In Semlitsch, R. D., ed., Amphibian per cent of reptiles, but only 3 per cent provide zoo visitors with an opportunity Conservation, Washington, DC, Smithsonian of amphibians. Of the 221 conservation to change behaviours that have a direct Institution 199-213. programmes currently listed in the impact on amphibian conservation. • Rowley, J. L., Shephers, C. R., Stuart, B. L., Nguyen, WAZA database, 60 per cent (132) are Over the past decade we’ve learned T. Q., Hoang, H. D., Cutajar, T, P., Wogan, G. O. W., for mammals, 18 per cent (38) are for that there is no magic bullet for Phimmachak, S. (2016). Estimating the global trade birds, 7 per cent (17) are for reptiles, 11 dealing with chytrid, with the recently in Southeast Asian newts. Biological Conservation per cent (25) are for amphibians (Figure identified salamander chytrid, or with (199): 96–100. 29 COMMUNICATIONS Frogs need friends WHY EFFECTIVE PUBLICITY MANAGEMENT IS ESSENTIAL IF AMPHIBIANS ARE TO SURVIVE AND PROSPER

Björn Encke, Founder, Frogs & Friends

In 2016, Frogs & Friends made its public debut with permanent exhibits in zoos in Vienna, Zurich and Cologne. The mission of this Berlin-based initiative is to draw attention to the international amphibian crisis by telling compelling stories about these amazing animals. The scientists and media experts who founded the organisation want to go beyond local exhibits at individual zoos, instead creating a networked campaign that can serve as a communication resource – and amplifier – for zoological gardens and other institutions working to address the amphibian extinction crisis. If it weren’t for the Year of the Frog 2008, Frogs & Friends might not exist. It all started with a television segment about the lost Northern Darwin’s zoos send an additional message: We frog and its endangered relatives in frog in Chile. More than 3 million are part of a larger network working Cameroon. We also want to shape the German public television viewers together to protect biodiversity. Many future closer to home. Together with watched for almost four minutes as the zoo visitors don’t know about this the VdZ (Verband der Zoologischen film followed our travels looking for a important aspect of modern zoos’ work Gärten) and DGHT (German Society hidden frog. All we had was a recording and mission. (All videos are available for Herpetology), we are establishing of its call. We found destroyed or at www.frogs-friends.org under the a new, professionally organised polluted habitats, but no frogs. The menu tab ‘project-videos’.) breeding programme that involves both viewers were glued to their screens. Another example is the Frogs & institutions and private keepers. The The key was the compelling, and Friends web-based ‘interactive trip’. goal is to set an example for how ex situ relevant, story we told. We wondered if The user can dive as deep as he or she breeding can develop even in the face there were more compelling stories to wants into the fascinating variety of of current challenges. tell about frogs. forms and evolutionary strategies that New insights prompt new ideas. In Despite their acutely endangered amphibians adopt, find information the spirit of the One Plan approach, we status, amphibians still play only a about current threats, and learn more are convinced that ex situ population minor role in most zoo collections. about possible strategies to protect management must be an essential part Too often they get little attention amphibians. This resource is freely of any strategy to preserve biodiversity. in discussions about strategic focus available to partner zoos, which can It is not part of the problem, as some areas – and accompanying budgets. also embed it into their own websites. accuse it of being, but is part of the Frogs & Friends aims to address that Available in German and English, it solution. And it is the most effective deficit by gathering under its umbrella can be found on the Frogs & Friends way to organise the necessary public the communications, and in part the website, under the ‘Fascinating Frogs’ interest and political will to slow down coordination, for all things amphibian. tab. the extinction crisis. Similar exhibits can be set up at Frogs & Friends combines physical This gets to the core of why Frogs multiple zoos, combining site-specific exhibits with digital media and a & Friends exists. We have to build texts with those from the wider Frogs regularly updated online news service bridges between scientific research and & Friends portfolio. This enables zoos that reports on new developments the general public. We attempt to do to offer their visitors high-quality, from our partners, creating new this with all the modern tools we have regularly updated amphibian exhibits connections between the participants. available, whether through new media for a very reasonable price. This approach has led to new opportunities or through organising One example is our series of web types of project: for example, the participants in scientifically led reports. These high-quality short films Naturkundemuseum in Berlin and the breeding programmes. We’re reminded about five of our partners’ projects are Tiergarten Schönbrunn are working of an old zoo saying: Nothing moves available both online and at all of our together on a new research and captive people like a living animal – even if it’s 30 exhibit locations. The participating breeding project involving the Goliath as motionless as a salamander in winter. 31 32