Frequenters of the local zoo are advised to hold their
noses and enter the amphibian house. Its residents aren't the zoo's
cuddliest, but they're probably among its rarest: Amphibians have suffered not only
from the usual suspects of habitat loss and global warming in recent years, but also
from the rapid spread of the chytrid fungus, which infects their respiratory skin. Extinction currently threatens half the world's
species.
Given the appearances of other options, researchers
have chosen frogs as the flagships of their conservation efforts. Foremost
among these is, as the Post reported
yesterday, Amphibian Ark, which aims to preserve colonies of
threatened species in zoos worldwide so that they may be reintroduced to their
natural habitats after their wild brethren have suffered extinction. The Kihansi Spray
Toads of the Bronx Zoo have already disappeared from Tanzania, while
the National Zoo's Panamanian Golden Frogs were last seen in the
wild in 2006.
Given their sensitivity, amphibians are generally considered
good indicator species. Recent studies
showing increased hermaphroditism in amphibians due to pesticides may mean that
we humans can expect more of this
guy (gal?) down the road. Extinction may be the kinder fate...
--Ben Crair