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Previous Issues > February 2008 > Wildville! > Frogs
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 Wildville!
Frogs
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has declared 2008 the Year of the Frog! This action is in an effort to let people know about the amphibian extinction crisis and to help encourage conservation. Zoos and aquariums around the country will kick off Year of the Frog on February 29, Leap Day.
Frogs and other amphibians, like toads, newts and salamanders, are disappearing all over the world. Extinction disappearing from the earth forever is threatening more than one third of amphibian species. Many species are going away because their habitats, the places they live, are changing or being destroyed. Scientists believe disease, pollution and change in the climate are also reasons that the species are declining.
Now for some fun frog facts! There are over 5000 species of frogs. Most frogs have smooth, moist skin, but toads have dry, warty skin and live on land. Oxygen can pass through the moist skin of frogs, so they can breathe through their skin. They also absorb water through their skin so they don't need to drink. The eyes and nose of a frog are on top of its head so it can breathe and see when the rest of its body is underwater. Many frogs are nocturnal, which means they are awake at night and sleep during the day. Frogs are also camouflaged to protect them from predators. Some frogs can even change colors, but only a shade or two.
A zoo or aquarium near you may have special events in February to kick off the Year of the Frog. To find out what events are happening in your area, visit the web site www.aza.org/Promotions/LeapDay with a grown-up.
Sources: Smithsonian National Zoological Park, nationalzoo.si.edu; The Exploratorium, www.exploratorium.edu/frogs.
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