Further Information

Who are the AARK?

Originally formed to address the ex situ (in the zoo) components of the Amphibian Conservation Action Plan. The AARK has three principal partners:

– WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquaria)
– IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG)
– IUCN/SSC Amphibian specialist Group (ASG)

They coordinate amphibian conservation activities by different organisations around the world – helping to drive forward and promote the conservation of threatened amphibians.

Why are we involved?

Zoos are extremely important in amphibian conservation, safeguarding species in specially designed bio secure ‘Pods’.

This ensures we have safety net populations in case species go extinct in the wild, and provides the potential to reintroduce animals back to the wild. Using these zoo populations, we can learn more about the species and how best to save them.

The connection beween ex situ and in situ conservation activities is hugely important. Our Amphibian Programme focuses on three species, all of which we breed in these specially designed A-Pods.

We’re also involved in field conservation projects to protect existing wild populations and secure their natural habitat. These three species are:

• Black eyed tree frog (Agalychnis moreletii)
• Mountain Chicken (Leptodactylus fallax)
• Green-eyed Frog (Lithobates vibicaria)

Click here for more information on our Amphibian Conservation Programme.