Amphibian Conservation Program

AZA's Amphibian Conservation Program has one overriding goal - that every AZA-accredited zoo and aquarium, no matter how large or small, commit to saving at least one species of endangered amphibian. We'll begin by protecting each of the critically endangered amphibian species in North America.

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums develop and support captive assurance populations both in North America and throughout the world, conduct field research, and increase conservation and management skills through the AZA's Amphibian Biology and Management course.

AZA's Amphibian Experts

The members of the AZA Amphibian Taxon Advisory Group (ATAG) are AZA's amphibian experts. The ATAG:

provides a forum for discussing amphibian husbandry, veterinary care, and ethical issues; and
recommends species for AZA studbooks and Species Survival Plans and establishes priorities for their management, research, and conservation.

Search the members only section of the Conservation Programs Database and browse to the Amphibian TAG for ATAG information, including documents and contact information for the steering committee.

Action Plan for Ex Situ Amphibian Conservation in the AZA Community.

The Amphibian TAG met July 30-August 3, 2007 to identify species that might benefit from ex situ conservation programs.

Amphibian Action Plan Executive Summary (in PDF) (4 pp.)
Amphibian Action Plan Full Report (in PDF) (45 pp)

New! Amphibian Husbandry Resource Guide

This Resource Guide will help you provide the best care possible to the amphibians under your watch. While the exact protocols for maintaining populations of many species in need of ex situ conservation are unknown, this guide will help ensure that you are using some of the best husbandry techniques known, particularly in the face of emerging diseases and other issues. To further refine your amphibian husbandry techniques and to benefit from other AZA herpetologists, the ATAG recommends that you attend AZA's Board of Regents Amphibian Biology and Management course www.aza.org/prodev/) and participate in networking opportunities at the annual ATAG meetings.

Download the Amphibian Husbandry Resource Guide
as a full document (PDF, 86 pg.), or in chapters:

Amphibian Conservation Resource Manual

The Resource Manual shows you how to become involved in amphibian conservation. The Manual shares the experiences and expertise of your AZA colleagues in developing and evaluating domestic and international captive rearing programs and education programs. Additional resources include husbandry protocols, funding opportunities, and key contacts. This Manual is appropriate for both decision-makers as well as those who implement conservation projects.

Funding Sources for Amphibian Conservation

There are many opportunities from AZA and outside funding sources to develop or expand your amphibian conservation work. Please see Appendix 4 of the Amphibian Conservation Resource Manual for a list of funding opportunities.

World-wide Cooperation

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums and the AZA Conservation and Science Department are working closely with our partners to develop and implement a global action plan for amphibian conservation:

Additional Resources?

For more information on amphibian conservation in AZA institutions and on the amphibian extinction crisis, visit these amphibian resources.