DID YOU KNOW THAT 2008 IS THE "YEAR OF THE FROG"?

That's right! The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has declared 2008 as the "Year of the Frog" to increase awareness about amphibian conservation. During the year, the AZA will work with accredited Zoos and partners nationally to address the amphibian extinction crisis.

THE OKLAHOMA CITY ZOO-- YOUR "YEAR OF THE FROG" HEADQUARTERS

The Zoo is "leaping" into action to bring you "toad"ally awesome "Year of the Frog" activities!

 Watch the AZA's Public Service Announcement featuring Kermit the Frog! 
Note:  Movie may take a moment to load.  Quicktime is required for viewing. 

ALL ABOUT AMPHIBIANS

Here are some "toad"ally fun facts about amphibians. Visit your local library or go on line to learn more about the wild world of amphibians.

• What is an Amphibian? Amphibians include frogs, toads, salamanders, newts and caecilians.
  
• Amphibians are cold-blooded animals with moist skin.
  
• Most amphibians start the lives in water. When the young grow up, they can live in the water or on land.
  
• Amphibians play an important role in nature as both predator and prey, sustaining the delicate balance of nature.
  
• Did you know...? There are approximately 6,000 species of amphibians in the world and of those, one-third are threatened with extinction. The good news is that you can do something to help save the amphibians in your state or region--maybe even in your own backyard!

HIGHLIGHT SPECIES: PANAMANIAN GOLDEN FROG
Atelopus zeteki

Click here to learn more about the Panamanian Golden Frog!

JUMP IN AND HELP!
Here are some simple ways that you can help amphibians!

• Look, listen and learn: Educate yourself and your family about amphibians.
  
• Visit the Oklahoma City Zoo or another AZA accredited zoo or aquarium near you and experience your very own amphibian adventure!
  
• Create amphibian-friendly environments by providing clean water, hiding places and insects to eat.
  
• Volunteer to study native frogs, toads, salamanders, newts and other amphibians.
  
• Conserve water at home, school and work.
  
• Don't pollute.
  
• Prevent soil erosion by seeding for grass or planting shrubs.
  
• Avoid dumping chemicals down drains.
  
• Avoid releasing non-native plant and animal species into the environment. Non-native species, or species not found naturally in an area, can alter the ecological community in which native amphibians live and prey on them.
  
• Sign up to be a "Friend of the Frogs." Go to www.aza.org to sign up and learn more about amphibian conservation.

Soloman Island Horned Frog, Ceratobatrachus guentheri

WHY ARE FROGS SO IMPORTANT, ANYWAY?

Amphibians are critical to maintaining a healthy ecosystem. They play an important role in the food web as both predator and prey. It is important to maintain this balance in nature because detrimental effects have been noted in areas where amphibians are disappearing.

Not only do amphibians eat "pest" insects, which helps agriculture worldwide and helps prevent the spread of some diseases like malaria. Amphibians might hold the key to even bigger advances in disease control. Their skin contains substances that protect them from certain viruses and microbes. This skin could contain clues for uncovering cures for human diseases, such as AIDS.

Amphibians are very sensitive to the environment around them because their skin will absorb contaminants. When they show declines in the wild, it acts as a warning sign for other species.

Plus, frogs have a special place in history. Many cultures view them as signs of life and good luck!

Blue-tailed fire-bellied newt, Cynops cyanurus

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Here's some links where you can learn more about amphibians and amphibian conservation.

• Association of Zoos and Aquariums
  
• Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
  
• Amphibian Ark
  
• World Association of Zoos and Aquariums