That Reptile Blog – Reptile, Amphibian and Exotic Pet Care and Information

Hundreds of amphibian species have been drive to extinction in recent years, and an estimated 30% of those remaining may soon follow.  Because most are difficult to find, herpetologists are now asking the public’s help in locating 100 species that are considered extinct but may still hold on in small numbers.

The recovery effort, launched this month (August, 2010) by Conservation International and the IUCN, spans the globe.  Even questionable sightings and photos are welcome –after all, a dog in Montana tipped researchers to the fact that the Black-Footed Ferret was not extinct (by killing one!), so you never know…

There is even a “10 Most Wanted List”, the members of which I’ll describe below. Read More »

At least 200 species of amphibians have become extinct in the last 30 years, and a full one-third of those remaining may soon follow. Despite rising concerns here in the USA, and the existence of a long-established law (the Endangered Species Act) that protects animals in peril, 12 native frogs, toads and salamanders remain neglected and in immediate need of protection.

A Crisis Situation for Many Species

According to the standards set by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, all 12 species qualify for protection under the Endangered Species Act.  However, a recent update released by the Center for Biological Diversity revealed the shocking fact that, for reasons that are not entirely clear (or, I’m sure, reasonable!), these rare amphibians remain on the Endangered Species Act “Candidates List” – unprotected and edging ever closer to extinction. Read More »

Please see Part I of this article for the exciting story behind the “re-discovery” of Australia’s Gold-Spotted Bell Frog (Litoria castanea), which was assumed by herpetologists to have been  extinct since the 1970’s.  Today I’d like to discuss my experiences breeding a close relative that sometimes appears in the pet trade, the Green and Gold Bell Frog (Litoria aurea). Read More »

Amphibian enthusiasts were thrilled with the recent announcement that Australia’s Gold Spotted Bell Frog (Litoria castanea), feared extinct for the past 30 years, still survives in the South Tablelands area of New South Wales.  Some years ago I bred a related species, the Green and Gold Bell Frog, L. aurea, (pictured here) at the Bronx Zoo – hopefully the lessons learned by myself and others working with that species will prove useful in the current Gold Spotted Bell Frog recovery effort. Read More »