GBR Press: Zoo creates ark to save amphibians

[Wes von Papineäu]

HERALD EXPRESS (Torquay, UK) 12 August 09 Zoo creates ark to save amphibians
A new ark designed to save entire endangered species from extinction has opened at Paignton Zoo.
The zoo is responding to an amphibian extinction threat said to be 'the greatest species conservation challenge in our history' with a £75,000 investment.
The Amphibian Ark will be a rescue and reintroduction centre for species of frogs, toads and salamanders from Madagascar, Tanzania and Trinidad.
The building, formerly an education space, has been turned into a bio-secure animal area, with public viewing.
Amphibians curator Mike Bungard said: "We aim to save at least three distinct species — not just help with the work or support the work but actually save them from extinction.
"It's an incredible opportunity but a huge responsibility. We have to get it right."
He says the building work is just the beginning: "It is a complicated project that can't be rushed. We need to do the right thing for the right species.
"At this stage I'm not sure how many species the ark will hold. The amphibian extinction crisis is the greatest species conservation challenge in our history. Out of 6,000 known amphibian species, 50 per cent are threatened or endangered, compared to 10 per cent of mammal species."
He is currently making lists of priority species for each country and is planning fact-finding trips to both Tanzania and Trinidad within the year.
"We are working with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature on Malagasy amphibians and negotiating with partner organisations in all three countries.
"People and politics can complicate matters. Madagascar is particularly difficult right now with all the political unrest. But the amphibians there really need our help."
Amphibians are affected by habitat loss, climate change, pollution, pesticides and a fungus which, he said, is 'unstoppable and untreatable in the wild', killing 80 per cent within months.
The aim is to protect species from the fungus, possibly by taking animals from the wild and then reintroducing them when it is safe to do so.
Mike said: "The world needs amphibians. Their skins produce substances that kill microbes and viruses, offering us the promise of medical cures for a variety of illnesses.
"Amphibians also perform important pest population control. They are also fascinating, wondrous creatures."
The move follows on a Year of the Frog Campaign, to which Paignton Zoo donated £3,000 and pledged to build amphibian conservation facilities.
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