25 years ago, scientists began documenting what is now described as a catastrophic decline in global amphibian populations. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 43% of the world’s amphibians are in decline or already extinct. The Atlanta-based Amphibian Foundation (AF) formed in urgency in 2016 to attempt to immediately reverse this decline for a specific salamander in the Southeastern US — the Frosted Flatwoods Salamander, Ambystoma cingulatum. ‘Frosties’ have decreased in population by 90% since 1999.
In 2016, AF was provided with the only federal permit to work with this species, and began the task of working with a cryptic species that was both poorly understood and critically endangered. Since starting that project in 2016, several Southeastern state agencies have connected with AF to develop programs to directly conserve more species of imperiled amphibians.
After 7 years, how are these species doing now? What have we learned? How can you help amphibians? Amphibian Foundation Co-founder and Executive Director, Mark Mandica, will discuss the current status of some of the Southeast’s most imperiled amphibians, what is being done to address these declines, and how you can help protect amphibians at home and everywhere.
Details
- This Science Junction event is a production of Science for Georgia.
- It is ticketed event and open to the public.
- Seating is on a first-come basis.
- Tickets are required to attend and can be purchased here.
- Donations are appreciated.
- Doors open at 6:30 pm for early arrival.
- Gather for dinner by 7:00. Finger foods/platters will be provided.
- The evening’s presentation gets under way around 7:15.
- This event will be at Georgia Public Broadcasting, 260 14th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318.
