FrogWatch USA
The FrogWatch USA Web pages and database are currently under construction. Please submit copies of completed datasheets via email (preferred) to: frogwatch@aza.org or via regular mail to:
FrogWatch USA Coordinator
Association of Zoos & Aquariums
8403 Colesville Road, Suite 710
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Founded in 1998 by the U.S. Geological Survey, managed from 2002-2008 by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), and transferred to AZA in 2009, FrogWatch USA is currently being developed into AZA’s flagship citizen science program. Citizen science programs promote informal science education by training volunteers, many of which have no scientific training, to perform research-related tasks such as observation, measurement, or computation. Because many previously abundant frog and toad populations have experienced dramatic population declines and amphibians are considered to be indicator species for potentially larger environmental problems, it is essential that scientists gain an understanding of these declines.
FrogWatch USA allows scientists to accomplish research objectives more feasibly than would otherwise be possible. The information collected by all FrogWatch USA volunteers is entered into the national database and then analyzed to provide essential information needed to develop environmental protection and amphibian conservation strategies.
Evolution of the AZA FrogWatch USA Program
AZA is in the process of improving the on-line FrogWatch USA database interface and developing multiple FrogWatch USA Chapters that will be managed by AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums located across the United States. These improvements will occur during the 2009-2010 FrogWatch Seasons and will not affect the current manner in which the FrogWatch USA program is managed. Read the AZA FrogWatch USA newsletters below to find out the latest information:
FrogWatch USA Volunteers
FrogWatch USA volunteers typically participate during the February – August frog watching season. Through this program, volunteers increase their awareness of amphibian population declines and the environmental factors affecting them and learn about their community wetlands, recognizing local frog and toad calls, and data collection techniques.
More information about becoming a FrogWatch USA Volunteer will be available soon – please bookmark this page!
Have Questions?
To learn more about the AZA FrogWatch USA program, contact frogwatch@aza.org.