CHILDREN ‘LEAP 4 LIFE’ TO SAVE

WORLD’S RAREST ANIMALS

100 children took part in a mass leapfrog event on Wednesday 13th February to launch a conservation campaign at Marwell Zoological Park, near Winchester, to help save some of the world's rarest animals.

Up to half of the world’s amphibian species are threatened with extinction and a staggering 165 species of frogs, toads and salamanders have already gone extinct. The children launched the wildlife appeal ‘Leap 4 Life’ with 1892 leapfrogs - each jump representing an amphibian species that is under threat.

The Hampshire based conservation charity is helping to avert the amphibian crisis – which equates to the largest mass extinction since the     disappearance of the dinosaurs – by building a bio-secure   amphibian centre in anticipation of receiving a high priority species, which without help is certain to become extinct.

The Park is running lots of ‘Leap 4 life’ activities including a specially created FREE amphibian trail around the Park. Children can search out Marwell’s various amphibian species and learn lots of amphibian facts, such as why does a red-eyed tree frog push its eyes into its mouth? Children can also discover how they play an important role in the ecosystem and why they are important as nature’s true indicator. The trails will be available throughout the summer.

The charity will also be giving out free amphibian trails to children and families at its Zoological Park. Many other amphibian themed events, including frog and toad story telling will also be taking place during Easter and the summer. 

The amphibians are dying out because a deadly fungus called Amphibian Chytrid stops the frogs, toads and salamanders from being able to breath (through their skins) and thus suffocate to death. This deadly fungus is travelling uncontrollably and at such an alarming rate that no amphibian is safe.

Geoff Read, Section Manager for Lower Vertebrates and Invertebrates believes that Marwell’s centre is vital:” Until a cure is developed to stop the fungus the safekeeping and captive management of threatened amphibians is the only way to ensure their long-term survival.  Once the threat has been controlled it is hoped many species will be released back into the wild.”

The world’s leading conservationists have come together to declare 2008 “The Year of the Frog” and Patron of the campaign, Sir David Attenborough, realises the importance that parks, like Marwell can make: “The global zoo and aquarium community has taken on the challenge with enthusiasm and is providing appropriate facilities and breeding grounds within their institutions.”