27 February, 2007
Amphibian Ark Current Event
Scientists from around the globe met on the 15th and 16th of February 2007 in Atlanta to prevent 6,000 species of amphibians from becoming extinct. This group is called the “Amphibian Ark”. A fungus called chytrid fungus makes it difficult for frogs to use there pores. Frogs absorb water through these pores on there skin so without using these it causes the frogs to dehydrate. In the past decade scientists have estimated that up to 170 species of frogs have become extinct and 1,900 threatened. They are asking every zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden to take in at least 500 of the endangered species of frogs. Frogs, which make up the majority of amphibians, eat insects that would otherwise threaten public health. Also, frogs produce a chemical that is used as a pain reliever for humans. One species is linked to a chemical that disables the virus that causes AIDS. It estimated the project will cost $400-$500 million dollars to complete. Amphibian Ark are launching a fundraiser next year to raise money. When the fungus is eliminated scientists will still have to monitor the frogs because the chyrid fungus alone is not threatening the amphibians, global warming and air pollution are also responsible.
To read the original article click here
March 4th, 2007 at 1:37
hey josh,
nice to see that someone has done an article that does not involve terrorism.
well this is a very interesting post, it is so different i wonder how you came up with it.
i really like how you included that the fungus also has a use, because many people would just include the fungus but not tell them a little fact about it.
overall a very well done post
hannah
March 4th, 2007 at 3:07
Hey Joshy,
Wow, I did not know a simple chyrid fungus can kill so many frogs and that is just not it. This fungus can also threaten global warming and pollution.
Also, i din’nt know that frogs had that much use to the world. Its great to see that they provide a chemical that is a painkiller for humans and they all eat the life threatening insects
What a unusual article to choose.(Unusual in a good way)
Rock on and play it safe
Peace, Jook
March 7th, 2007 at 9:23
hello Josh
This article was a great choice and of great significance to the world, I mean imagine a world without frogs, you would have insects everywhere with only a few predators for them which would mean they could reproduce making them live everywhere with a population around one googleplex!
anyways nice article josh
-Mitch