Amphibian Ark

The Amphibian Ark (or AArk) is a joint effort of three principal partners: the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), the IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG), and the IUCN/SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (ASG).

The AArk was formed to address the ex situ components of the Amphibian Conservation Action Plan (ACAP). Its vision is the world’s amphibians safe in nature, and its mission is ensuring the global survival of amphibians, focusing on those that cannot currently be safeguarded in nature.

Amphibian Ark staff coordinate ex situ amphibian programs implemented by partners around the world, with the first emphasis on programs within the range countries of the species, and with a constant attention to its obligation to couple ex situ conservation measures with necessary efforts to protect or restore species in their natural habitats.

An AArk Steering Committee, with Executive Co-Chairs from each of the three principal partners, provide strategic guidance on the activities of the AArk and ensure excellent communication with all stakeholders.

A number of dedicated positions coordinate all aspects of implementation within the AArk initiative; assist AArk partners in identifying priority taxa and regions for ex situ conservation work; lead development and implementation of training programs for building capacity of individuals and institutions; and develop communications strategies, newsletters and other messages, and materials to promote understanding and action on behalf of amphibian conservation.

Advisory Committees have been formed to consult on species-specific issues, for example, reintroduction, gene banking, and veterinary, legal, and ethical concerns.

Members of the AArk are WAZA members and WAZA affiliates, members of regional or national zoo associations, ISIS, AArk approved private partners and AArk approved museums, universities and wildlife agencies.

It is not the goal of AArk's programs to collect animals from the wild purely for exhibit in US or European zoos. In fact, that is the last thing the AArk wants, and as an end point, it would represent complete failure of the program. Although the proximal action to save critical species from immediate extinction will be sending them to the nearest existing facilities with available space and resident expertise, the ultimate goal is to enable the range countries currently lacking facilities and expertise to care for their own species. This will allow outside experts to free up their time and space to begin the process anew with other species in other regions of the world.