What are amphibians?
Frogs, toads, salamanders and newts are all amphibians, spending their lives on dry land and in water. Many types of amphibian begin their lives as tadpoles living in water, then undergo metamorphosis to an adult form that lives mainly on land. Amphibians are common everywhere in the world except for the poles and the most arid deserts.
Why are the amphibians disappearing?
There are different reasons for the drastic disappearing of amphibians: Destruction of habitats, pollution Invasive species, disease, fires and hunting. The number of species at risk grows by the minute!
What is the situation with Israel’s amphibians:
• Eastern spadefoot toad – in grave danger of extinction.
• Banded Newt – in grave danger of extinction
• European Green Toad – in danger of extinction
• Near Eastern Fire Salamander – in danger of extinction
• Green Tree Frog – threatened
• Levant Water Frog – at risk
Another formerly local species, the Israel Painted Frog, which was found only in Israel, became extinct in the 1950s, when Lake Hula was drained. It has now disappeared from the face of the earth.
How bad is the situation of amphibians in the wild? The total number of recognized amphibian species is 5,918.
• 53 species are already extinct or living only in captivity.
• 456 species are in serious danger of extinction.
What are zoos doing to help the amphibians?
• Establishing breeding nuclei
• Research
• Raising public awareness of the issue
• Educating the next generation
What will happen to us if the amphibians disappear from the world?
• We shall suffer from the same environmental problems that are killing the amphibians!
• We shall be deprived of a lot of important medicines!
• The ecological fabric to which we belong will be damaged!
What can you do to save the amphibians?
• Most important of all - Buy “Save a Frog” products at the zoo and help establish a captive breeding nuclei which are at present the only possible solution for many species. Only breeding nuclei in captivity can ensure that they do not vanish altogether. All money received from the sale of Year of the Frog products at the zoo will be used to establish breeding nuclei and protect various species of amphibians.
• Speak out against development at the expense of nature. Yes, it’s true we have to keep building houses and roads. But development can be carried out responsibly and prudently, with minimal impact on the environment’s natural sites, plants and animals. Join our protest against development projects that damage the environment. This will benefit all of us, not just the amphibians.
• Try to avoid damaging amphibian habitats and breeding grounds such as puddles, reservoirs, rivers and the land around them. Don’t litter, don’t paddle in the water (stirring up the mud stifles the tadpoles), don’t drive over them in all-terrain vehicles, etc., etc., etc.
