According to this article, the rocket frog, once common around Quito, Ecuador, now are quite rare. The few that remain are threatened by the volcano Cotopaxi. An eruption, which is expected to happens somewhat soon, would almost undoubtedly result in the extinction of the rocket frog. Since the rocket frog is not found anywhere else, the loss of the rocket frog in Quito would led to its extinction. Because of this, the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador is collecting tadpoles and young rocket frogs. This university, which currently holds around 1,500 amphibians, is extremely important in a country where a third of amphibian species are considered threatened or endangered. According to herpetologist Santiago Ron, taking the rocket frog into captivity reduces their chance of extinction by up to 90%.
This article is important due to the many endangered or threatened species throughout the world. The rocket frog is hardly unique in its situation. Many species are currently endangered. We ought to look for any way to help them, including taking endangered animals into captivity.
This article is important due to the many endangered or threatened species throughout the world. The rocket frog is hardly unique in its situation. Many species are currently endangered. We ought to look for any way to help them, including taking endangered animals into captivity.