Starting with amphibians
Citizen Conservation’s approach is of great importance to all animals. Since amphibians are currently particularly affected by the global extinction crisis, we have decided to start with frogs, salamanders, and their close relatives. The experience gained during this pilot phase should help us smoothly and efficiently expand the program to other species. The first phase, entitled “Citizen Conservation #Amphibians”, started in 2018.
Goals of the pilot phase
- Testing the processes in terms of technology, content, and communication
- Preparing to extend the program to other species
- Establishing Citizen Conservation as an independent organization
The development of the pilot phase will be accompanied by a board of representatives with expertise in science, species protection, breeding, veterinary medicine, creative industries, and marketing. The coordination work will be carried out by a group of representatives from Frogs & Friends, the German Society for Herpetology and Herpetoculture (DGHT) and the Association of Zoological Gardens (VdZ).
Five species are just the beginning
Unlike purely research-oriented conservation breeding programs, Citizen Conservation also considers societal factors such as environmental education in its decisions. The Red List of the IUCN, the Conservation Needs Assessment of the AmphibianArk and the recommendations of the Citizen Conservation Board of Representatives are the foundation for this process.
Success story: Tobias Eisenberg and the Lemur Leaf Frog
The veterinarian Tobias Eisenberg has been breeding leaf frogs from Central America for more than twenty years – among them highly endangered species such as the Lemur Leaf Frog.
Our Topics and Projects for the future
The need to unite private and professional breeders to protect endangered species is huge, and we regularly receive requests to open the project to more species. We are pleased about the positive resonance and constantly strive to widen our network of breeders. To meet these demands, we need the commitment of breeders and as well as volunteers who can help organize the cooperation and connections that are crucial to the program’s success. If you are an expert on a specific species and would like to support us with your knowledge and time, you can contact us here. We need your help to expand and ensure the success of our upcoming projects.
