Ghost frogs given protection
The ghost frog has been given greater protection
Monday, 21, Jan 2008 08:27
Ten of the most unusual and threatened amphibian species are to be given extra help from conservationists, it was announced today.
Survival plans have been drawn up for the weird and wonderful creatures, which include a giant, ancient relative of the newt and a drawing-pin-sized frog.
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), which runs the Edge conservation programme, described the creatures on the list as some of the world's most extraordinary amphibians currently threatened with extinction.
The programme aims to help creatures that are evolutionary distinct and globally endangered (Edge).
Dr Jonathan Baillie described the creatures on the list as "canaries in the coalmine".
"They are highly sensitive to factors such as climate change and pollution, which lead to extinction, and are a stark warning of things to come," he said.
"If we lose them, other species will inevitably follow."
Amphibians are under threat from a number of factors including habitat destruction, pollution, climate change and disease.
Edge amphibians coordinator Helen Meredith commented: "The Edge amphibians are amongst the most remarkable and unusual species on the planet and yet an alarming 85 per cent of the top 100 are receiving little or no conservation attention and will become extinct if action is not taken now.
"These animals may not be cute and cuddly, but hopefully their weird looks and bizarre behaviours will inspire people to support their conservation."
The ten species being given protection plans:
1) Chinese giant salamander
2) Sagalla caecilian - a limbless amphibian with sensory tentacles on the sides of its head
3) Purple frog - lives 4m underground for most of the year
4) Ghost frogs of South Africa - so-called as one species is found only in the traditional human burial grounds of Skeleton Gorge in Table Mountain, South Africa
5) Olm - a blind salamander that can survive without food for ten years
6) Lungless salamanders of Mexico
7) Malagasy rainbow frog
8) Chile Darwin's frog - feared to already be extinct as it has not officially be seen since 1980
9) Betic midwife toad - the males carry the fertilised eggs wrapped around their hind legs
10) Gardiner's Seychelles frog – the size of a drawing pin