Amphibian Ark.

Over the past decade, up to 170 species of frogs have become extinct due to the spread of Chytrid fungus, which affects amphibian respiratory and nervous systems. Close to 2,000 other species are threatened. In February 2007, the international Amphibian Ark project was launched in Atlanta, Georgia. The project is asking zoos, aquariums, and botanical gardens to house threatened frogs until the fungus can be controlled. Amphibians are a key component of ecosystems, eating insects that other animals do not. Amphibians also are medically important; various species produce compounds used in pharmaceuticals. Fundraising will commence next year to raise the estimated $400-500 million it will take to complete the project.