Hopping And Hoping...

After multiple months of waiting for final permits, the Oakland Zoo has acquired the necessary state and federal permits to help save the Mountain Yellow-Legged frog, a highly endangered amphibian. This frog species, which once hopped throughout California’s upper elevations, has dropped significantly in numbers, more than ninety percent in the past decade, due in part to chytrid, a skin fungus that thickens the frogs’ skin so they cannot breathe. Zookeepers helped to acquire and transport a group of twenty-six adult Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frogs, which are separated into specific populations. The frogs are housed in a quarantine area that is a climate controlled environment, carefully planned and constructed to provide a suitable habitat and space for these rare amphibians and their different life stages. “The Oakland Zoo is one of a handful of zoos supporting and working with state and Federal Government agencies and the scientific community to find ways to save this species before it is too late,” said Zoological Manager, Victor Alm. The Oakland Zoo featured a Conservation Speaker Series focused on taking action for frogs on Thursday, November 13, 2014 and was honored to host guest speaker Dr. Kerry Kriger, founder of SAVE THE FROGS!. Dr. Kriger is an ecologist for the world’s leading amphibian conservation organization. He conceived and coordinates Save The Frogs Day, the world's largest day of amphibian education and conservation action, and has given presentations on amphibian conservation all over the world. His research has made him a recognized expert on the amphibian disease chytridiomycosis, a topic on which he has published fifteen articles in peer-reviewed international scientific journals. Dr. Kriger's research into amphibian declines has been supported by the National Geographic Society and various philanthropic organizations throughout the world. This eye-opening evening featured photos Dr. Kriger took while traveling around the world. “Amphibians are indicators of the health of an eco-system,” said Amy Gotliffe, Conservation Director at Oakland Zoo. “As it is Oakland Zoo’s conservation mission to protect biodiversity of ecosystem, frogs are an important focus for our efforts. Our work with the Puerto Rican crested toad and groundbreaking research with the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog is critical to the health of habitats across the planet and in our own backyards.