Education

Year of the Frog

Year of the FrogYear of the Frog






Earth is facing the largest mass extinction since the disappearance of the dinosaurs. After thriving for over 360 million years, 1/3 to 1/2 of the world's approximately 6,000 known amphibian species could become extinct in our lifetime.

In response to this epidemic, scientists and conservationists formed an Amphibian Conservation Action Plan (ACAP), including research, assessment and conservation in nature. For species that cannot be saved in nature, the plan is to rescue them before they are gone and protect them in captive facilities until the threats to the wild populations can be controlled

Nashville Zoo and other organizations supporting ACAP are participating in a global public awareness campaign, 2008: Year of the Frog. The goal of Year of the Frog is to raise awareness among media, educators, corporations, philanthropists, governments and the general public about the vulnerability of amphibians and the extinction crisis they face as well as generate much-needed funds to implement ACAP. The importance of amphibians.


Ways You Can Help

  • Look, Listen and Learn
    With more than 6,000 frogs, toads, newts, salamanders and caecilians worldwide, there's a lot to learn. Pick up a book, hop around the Internet (leap right in with this site, The Frogs and Toads of TN) or watch your favorite animal television show to educate yourself and your family about amphibians.
  • Visit Nashville Zoo or Your Local Zoo
    Nashville Zoo and other AZA zoos are helping to save amphibians through breeding programs and field conservation, and by visiting, you provide much-needed funding for these and other conservation programs. Zoos and aquariums are also some of the best places to see and learn about amphibians from around the world.
  • Create Amphibian-Friendly Environments
    By providing clean water, hiding places and insects to eat, you can create prime amphibian real estate. Be sure to include leaf litter, rocks, logs and a source of water - backyard ponds make a great family project!
  • Don't Pollute
    Do your part to keep garbage, chemicals and non-native plants and animals out of the natural environment. Amphibians are especially suspectible to pollution because they easily absorb chemicals through their skin. They also fall prey to non-native species.
  • Be a Responsible Pet Owner
    Discourage your canine and feline family members from pestering wildlife, especially amphibians and birds. Curious cats and digging dogs cause a lot of stress for frightened amphibians. If you or your pet encounter an amphibian, study, look, listen and then leave it where it is.
  • Conserve Water at Home, School and Work
    Save water by using collected rainwater to water gardens and potted plants. The water you save remains a clean habitat for wild amphibians.
  • Reduce the Use of Fossil Fuels (oil, coal and natural gas)
    Climate change is impacting amphibian populations worldwide. By using less energy or choosing renewable sources of energy, you can help slow the rate of climate change. Drive less, buy fuel-efficient cars and use compact, fluorescent light bulbs.
  • Be an Amphibian Champion
    Donate to Nashville Zoo's Amphibian Conservation Fund** or the AZA Amphibian Fund. Participate in citizen-science monitoring programs with your family. Be aware of legislation affecting wildlife and their habitats, global warming and land use and development issues.

    **Mail Donations To:
       Nashville Zoo
       Amphibian Conservation Fund
       3777 Nolensville Road
       Nashville, TN 37211

Frog-tastic Activities

Lots of amphibians call Tennessee home. Leap in and discover more about these amazing creatures by participating in some of Tennessee's amphibian monitoring programs!
TAMP (Tennessee Amphibian Monitoring Program)
Frogwatch USA


Hop on over to these sites to test your skills at identifying frogs and toads just by their calls.
Tennessee Frog and Toad ID Pages
USGS Frog Quizes


"Hop"-penings at Nashville Zoo

To fuel awareness for Year of the Frog and the amphibian crisis, Nashville Zoo's education department has some "toad-ally awesome" opportunities to learn about amphibians and ways you can contribute to their conservation.

Be sure to check out these programs all about amphibians:

Year of the Frog

                Photo credits: Lydia Fucsko, John Gardner, Gerry Marantelli, Brad Wilson