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The world is facing what may be the single largest mass extinction event since the time of the dinosaurs: almost half of the world's 6,000 known amphibian species could be wiped out in our lifetimes. Habitat loss, pollution and hunting are serious concerns, but the most immediate threat to amphibians is amphibian chytrid ("kit-rid"); it's a parasitic fungus and deadly disease that's quickly spreading across the planet. For more than 360 million years, amphibians have not only survived, but also flourished, around the world. But in the past decade, 165 species of frogs have become extinct.
Attend the Spotlight On Frogs show
Frogs survived the age of the dinosaurs, but almost half of them are threatened with extinction today in one of the biggest extinction crises humans have ever experienced. Amphibians are indicators of environmental health and contributors to human health. The Vancouver Aquarium has joined forces with zoos and aquariums around the world to try and stop hundreds of species from vanishing forever in a global effort called Amphibian Ark (AArk).
AArk's goal is to raise awareness about amphibian vulnerability and rescue at least 500 of the most threatened species. These species will be protected and bred in secure facilities at zoos and aquariums until the animals can one day be released back into nature. The Vancouver Aquarium has opened a new amphibian gallery, Frogs Forever?, to raise awareness and has made a long-term commitment to researching and breeding seriously endangered amphibian species. Our new exhibit, featuring 26 species of amphibians, trains the spotlight on the plight of the world's frogs and how we can all help save them from extinction.
The Oregon spotted frog is the most endangered amphibian in Canada. Habitat destruction and the introduction of non-native species into the Fraser River Valley have caused the Oregon spotted frog population to decline rapidly in recent years. In an effort to protect the species, the Aquarium joined the Oregon Spotted Frog Recovery Team in 2000.
Visit our Oregon spotted frogs AquaFacts
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