The last issue of the New York State Conservationist includes a piece about NY’s largest salamander the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis). Of the 18 species of salamanders found in NY, the Hellbender is the largest, with large adults reaching lengths of 2 feet or more. Females lay their eggs in cavities under rocks late in the summer, as males fertilize them. The eggs hatch in late fall. Not much is known about the larval stage of Hellbenders in the wild. They become sexually mature after 5 years and can live to be 30 years old!

photo: John M. Adamski

Just in case you missed it last Sunday… Check out the full episode of Frogs: The Thin Green Line. The PBS series Nature portrays several stories regarding amphibian declines around the world. Footage highlights include Edgardo and Heidi at the El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center in Panama.

If you missed Jeff Corwin’s “The Vanishing Frog” on Animal Planet the first time, you can now see the whole episode online here. Amphibians are declining at an alarming rate. The film shows different stories about frog declines including a very well done piece about our friends in El Valle, Panama. Amphibians are a unique class of animals that we can’t risk losing forever.

Want to help save an amphibian species from extinction? Visit www.helpafrog.org where you can buy frog related items. 100% of the proceeds go to the conservation of the Large-Crested Toad (Bufo cristatus) a critically endangered species. The Large-crested Toad was thought to be extinct, but has recently been rediscovered at two sites in central-eastern Mexico. This species has sucumbed to habitat loss of pine-oak forests and pollution of local streams. Protection of the environment may be their only hope for survival.

Amphibian chytrid or Bd (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) was accidentally introduced to Mallorcan Midwife Toads (Alytes muletensis) before their release into the wild in 1991. Bd was not even known to science before the late 90’s. It’s just another example of how disease can be spread unkowingly through conservation efforts. Luckily, the toads seem to be somewhat resistant to the fungus.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/09/11/frog.extinct.ap/index.html

Maybe there is still hope! The Armoured Mistfrog (Litoria lorica), a critically endangered Hylid from NE Australia has been discovered again. The animal has been thought to be extinct, although it wasn’t listed this way, as it has not been seen since 1991. An animal is usually listed as critically endangered when it is thought that there are less than 50 individuals in the wild. This is an amazing discovery, because this species was thought to have been wiped out by the virulent chytrid fungus.

photo: John M. Adamski

The Blue Dart Frog (Dendrobates azureus), one of the world’s most beautiful frogs, is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. It is only known from one fragmented locality in the southern part of Suriname. Because of it’s fragmented habitat, forest fire can directly threaten the survival of this species in the wild. Over-collection for the pet trade also has played a major role in this species’ decline. Captive breeding programs (both public and private) play a major role in the survival of this frog, ensuring that there is no need to collect from wild populations that are already under pressure.

photo: John M. Adamski

The Vietnamese Mossy Frog (Theloderma corticale) is a master of disguise. Native to North Vietnam and possibly China, it is no surprise that it’s habits are not well known in the wild. Just come to the Zoo and try to find one! One of the most cryptic frogs I know, it is thought to lay it’s eggs in rock cavities of steep cliffs. The adults just look like an ordinary piece of moss when they close their eyes.

photo: John M. Adamski

The Blue and Yellow Poison Dart frog or Dyeing Dart frog (Dendrobates tinctorius) is one of the most colorful frogs I have ever seen. Native to areas in and around the Guiana shield, the Dyeing Dart frog is a rainforest species that can be found in small pockets at altitudes of around 350 meters or more. Soil erosion is one of this frog’s biggest threats, causing them to be often found at sea level. Tribal people rubbed the poisonous frogs on the feathers of young parrots causing the feathers to change colors from the chemical reaction of the poison and the feathers – hence the name Dyeing Dart frog. At the Seneca Park Zoo, during feeding time, these frogs often twitch their toes in anticipation of receiving insects!