Globally, there are more than 4200 species of frogs, with new species being discovered every year. Frogs have been considered by some conservationist to be the most imperiled taxonomic group. The rapid decline or disappearance of numerous species of frogs has become a global crisis.

Since the 1970s, scientists around the world have been trying to find out why numerous species have suddenly disappeared. Some species, such as the Gastric-brooding Frog of Australia and the Golden Toad of Costa Rica, have already gone extinct. What makes this problem even more baffling is that many of these disappearances are within relatively pristine areas. Habitat loss from urbanization, disease, pesticides, poor land management practices, fire suppression, introduced predators and possibly issues associated with global climate change are just some of the causes that have individually or collectively played a part in the localized or range wide declines of many species of frogs and other amphibians.

In addition to their pleasant calls, frogs also provide a free pest-control service. Frogs eat billions of harmful insects annually, including mosquitoes and their larvae. In turn, they are a natural food item for many species of reptiles, fish, birds and mammals.

How You Can Help Conserve Frogs To Ensure They Remain A Part Of Our World

In addition to NAAMP, there are other ways you can help conserve frogs.

  • Minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticide on your yard, especially near wet areas
  • Plant native species
  • Maintain a vegetative buffer around wet areas
  • Support efforts to establish and protect natural areas for amphibians
  • Recycle & "Be Green" (instead of the landfill, recycle for replacement ipod parts)
  • Join a conservation organization
  • Educate yourself and others about frogs
  • Report frog die-offs or abnormalities to the VDGIF
  • Create frog friendly habitats on your property with leaf or brush piles
  • DO NOT RELEASE PET FROGS, TOADS OR FISH (or any other species of pet)