Frogs of Papua New Guinea

The major threat to Papua New Guinea's frog fauna is habitat destruction. Strip mining and deforestation are rampant in this country plagued by poverty, corruption and a lack of environmental regulations. Additionally, global warming poses a major threat to mountain top species: as the Earth warms, affected species will need to move higher up their mountain to remain in their preferred climate. However, once they reach the top of the mountain there will be nowhere left for them to go.

New frog species are constantly being discovered in Papua New Guinea. This is due not only to its inherently high biodiversity, but also to the historical lack of research in the country. The impenetrability of its rainforests and mountains, the general lack of security in the country, and the country's isolated location have proven to be significant deterrents to western researchers. Papua New Guinea has only one resident herpetologist, Chris Dahl.

While only ten of Papua New Guinea's 294 species are known to be in danger of extinction, there are 85 species for which there is simply not enough data for us to determine population trends. There is clearly a need for increased amphibian research and conservation efforts in Papua New Guinea.

If you like these photos, please have a look at my frog posters and calendars available in the Frog Store. All proceeds go to SAVE THE FROGS! amphibian conservation projects. And if that's not cool enough, you get a free SAVE THE FROGS bumper sticker with your purchase!

Thanks to David Speiser for the digital assistance. You can see his bird photos at lilibirds.com

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