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Showing posts from October, 2016

A new tool for assesing field sites and amphibian communities in Atlanta

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To supplement the Metro Atlanta Amphibian Monitoring Program data, we have initiated a Project on iNaturalist . While this doesn't replace our data collection protocol, it can be used to assess and record any amphibian observation, helping us to identify sites not currently monitored by the MAAMP and also keep a record of trends for the 28 historic species of amphibians native to the Georgia Piedmont. http://www.inaturalist.org/projects/metro-atlanta-amphibian-monitoring-project-maamp

We are very excited to join the Georgia Reptile Experience this Saturday (Oct 22) at the Cobb Galleria Center.

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via Instagram http://ift.tt/2eeZGwu Come and meet with us and talk about amphibians and amphibian conservation! I will be giving a talk at the event @ 11am about the global amphibian extinction crisis and our new Atlanta based non-profit — The Amphibian Foundation. In a historically unprecedented #extinction event, almost 40% of the world’s amphibians are in decline, or already extinct. This means a simultaneous loss of 2,800 species of #frogs, #salamanders and #caecilians. We will also have some of the reptiles from our teaching collection for Critter Camp so we will have some from both sides of the foul and loathsome creatures! We will have an large adult Savannah Monitor, Smallwood’s Anoles, a Mossy Gecko, Veiled Chameleons, Snapping Turtles and another turtle that makes a Snapper seem like a teddy bear — Staurotypus, the Giant Musk Turtle. For amphibians, we will have a Tiger-leg Monkey Frog, lots of Poison Frogs, a Horned Frog, and our angriest frog, a Dwarf Hippo Frog tha

Volunteers Needed!

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via Instagram http://ift.tt/2e9acVW The Amphibian Foundation is moving to our new location at Blue Heron Nature Preserve in Buckhead and need help! We are looking to fill a few volunteer positions for people interested in working with amphibians and reptiles, conservation, education and outreach. This is an opportunity to work with a passionate team working on several active conservation projects. For more information, please see our website: amphibianfoundation.org Available Volunteer Positions, Fall 2016 - Winter 2017  1) General Husbandry Assistant (Multiple Positions Available) (1 - 2 days/week | 2 - 3 hours/shift) Assist in the care of the living herpetological collection of The Amphibian Foundation. Over 200 live frogs, salamanders, turtles, lizards, snakes and invertebrates. Assist with their husbandry (feeding, cleaning, enclosure design and care) as well as culturing invertebrates for growing live food. Volunteers will be trained to monitor health, collect data and assist exp

Come on out to the Blue Heron Nature Preserve today from 9 -12 for an open house.

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via Instagram http://ift.tt/2e9pxmB The passionate and dedicated staff from Blue Heron, the Atlanta Audubon Society and our newly formed Amphibian Foundation will be there to talk about what we do and show visitors around the incredible facility and property. The Amphibian Foundation will have live critters there, including some native species, such as our breeding pair of Spotted Salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum). We will also have awesome reptiles and amphibians from around the world from our teaching collection for Critter Camp (critter-camp.org), such as a chill adult Savannah Monitor and the angriest frog you will ever meet, the Budgetts (or Hippo) Frog. If you want, he will bite you. The Blue Heron Nature Preserve is in Buckhead on Roswell Rd, across the street from Pikes. 4005 Roswell Rd NE. Atlanta GA 30342 #amphibianfoundation #amphibianfound #outreach #openhouse #iloveatl

Another great resource for attracting amphibians and reptiles to your yard, and prividing valuable habitat!

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Click the link here to download or view this article (PDF)

Another one from the series of my last images taken of ‘Toughie’, the last known Rabbs’ Fringe-limbed Tree Frog who passed away September 26, 2016.

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His death marks the likely extinction of the species #Ecnomiohyla rabborum. Here are some facts about this frog: #Toughie was collected as part of the Panamanian frog rescue mission in 2005, set forth by ABG and Zoo Atlanta to save frogs being decimated by chytrid fungus. I had the honor of working with him for almost 7 years, and in that time his sad story of being the very last of his kind had, in a powerfully sad way, made him an ‘ambassador' for amphibian conservation and awareness. Almost 40% of the world’s amphibian populations are documented as in decline, or already extinct. That means that this frog - who my son nicknamed ‘Toughie’ when he was 2 years old - is unfortunately not entirely unique in his situation. There are other species out there, blinking out before we even have a chance to recognize what was happening, let alone reverse it. Amphibians are disappearing and their declines are telling us something we need to pay attention to. It’s going to take all of us to

A National Geographic article on the Rabbs' Frog and global amphibian declines — and mentioned The Amphibian Foundation!

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'Toughie' as Anthony, and now the world refers to him — Photographed by Joel Sartore Here's a link to the article

I thought I would share some of the last images taken of Toughie.

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via Instagram http://ift.tt/2dux5Tt As many of you know, I had the honor of his company for many years, and any time he was out while I was checking on him, I would take flash-less photos of his handsome face. Toughie was collected as part of the Panamanian frog rescue mission in 2005, set forth by ABG and Zoo Atlanta to save frogs being decimated by chytrid fungus. I had the honor of working with him for almost 7 years, and in that time his sad story of being the very last of his kind had, in a powerfully sad way, made him an ‘ambassador' for amphibian conservation and awareness. Almost 40% of the world’s amphibian populations are documented as in decline, or already extinct. That means that this frog - who my son nicknamed ‘Toughie’ when he was 2 years old - is unfortunately not entirely unique in his situation. There are other species out there, blinking out before we even have a chance to recognize what was happening, let alone reverse it. Amphibians are disappearing