Rana Pipiens
Northern Leopard Frog, ink on Japanese paper
Having recently re-connected with my old friend, Steven Wagner, Associate Professor of Biology at Central Washington University, I am reminded of how dire the threat to survival for amphibians around the globe is. Research by him and his students revealed how pervasive the spread of a fatal fungal disease, chytrid, has become in Washington state, in particular. This Seattle Times article details his findings, Fungus threatens state’s frogs, salamanders .
The following article discusses why frogs are so susceptible to the fungus, and why it has become so widespread: An amphibious assualt, from the Globe and Mail.
The once abundant northern leopard frog faces likely extinction in the near future in the state of Washington. You can listen to sound recordings of their call on this site, www.californiaherps.com.
Eleventh hour efforts to save amphibians from extinction are currently being spearheaded by the organization Amphibian Ark, which maintains that, until the human threat to habitat and survival of amphibians diminishes, it is imperitive to hold and protect the various species in captivity.
