World Frog Day Marked by New Species & Extinction Risk
Why this is here: The discovery of three new frog species in the Peruvian Andes highlights the vast biodiversity still unknown, even as habitat loss threatens these creatures.
World Frog Day, observed on March 20, comes as approximately 40% of amphibian species face extinction. Scientists describe around 150 new amphibian species annually. However, many immediately qualify as threatened or endangered.
Recent reports detail threats to frog populations worldwide. Seven rare galaxy frogs disappeared from India after being disturbed by photographers.
Conservationists released 350 endangered mountain yellow-legged frogs into a California lake. The species suffers from predation, climate change, and disease.
Researchers also discovered three new frog species in Peru’s Andes Mountains. They noted existing habitat loss due to fire, agriculture, and cattle ranching. Biologists warn that some species may become extinct before they are even identified.