Year Of The Frog Highlights Imperiled Amphibians

Up to one third to one half of the world's 6,000 amphibian species could be extinct in our lifetimes -- an extraordinary mass extinction that has concerned scientists for years even as the complex causes of the phenomenon often elude them.

The world's zoos and aquariums will highlight the struggle to identify and correct problems facing the world's frogs, salamanders and other amphibians in 2008, when they mark "The Year Of The Frog," according to a story in today's USA Today. You won't find this one on any Chinese restaurant place mats.

Instead, expect to learn more about the "amphibian crisis" -- as some have dubbed the state of affairs. Finding solutions will be more difficult, given the complex factors believed to be behind the documented declines -- global warming, the worldwide spread of infectious pathogens and water pollution, which often affects amphibians more than other living things because they live in water and breathe through their skin.

Because of their special vulnerability, amphibians in peril are sometimes seen as indicators that the environment is becoming unhealthy for other forms of life, including humans.

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