Hundreds of zoos around the world are focusing on frogs this year, because right now the planet is facing what could be the largest mass extinction since the dinosaurs disappeared.

About one-third of all amphibian species are at risk of extinction, so we are facing a global amphibian crisis.

Frogs are extremely sensitive creatures, with permeable skins that can absorb toxins from both the air and water around them.

Frogs and other amphibians are also losing habitat, due to human expansion into previously wilderness area, and wetlands are being affected by climate change in some parts of the world.

A contagious fungal disease is also affecting population numbers, so a combination of factors is making amphibian survival a major challenge. 

The World Association of Zoos and Aquaria (WAZA) has declared 2008 to be the International Year of the Frog so the hundreds of member zoos can provide information about frog research and conservation to their millions of visitors and their wider communities.

Zoos Victoria is offering a variety of programs this year, for school groups and other visitors, all about frogs. Further details here.