National Programs

A coordinated national response to the amphibian crisis

AArk supports amphibian ex situ conservation efforts globally—through AArk's Conservation Needs Assessments (CNAs), grant funding, and capacity building in countries around the world.

But in some countries, those with particularly high amphibian biodiversity and a large number of species in urgent need of rescue, we aim to mobilize a coordinated national response through AArk National Programs. We currently have three such AArk National Programs underway in Brazil, Colombia, and Guatemala.

National Coordinators

At the head of each National Program is an AArk National Coordinator: a dedicated conservation professional based in-country who helps drive the program forward. Our National Coordinators:

Identify and engage local institutions leading amphibian conservation work (both ex situ and in situ)
Facilitate collaboration between government agencies, zoos, universities, and NGOs
Translate CNA results into action
Coordinate training, workshops, and grant support for national partners
Act as a liaison between AArk and national stakeholders

By working locally and building strong networks, we can continue to deliver our expertise, network, grants, and training to strengthen amphibian conservation efforts that are locally led and sustainable over time.

Brazil

The amphibian ex situ conservation breeding program for Brazilian amphibians is a pioneering initiative from Amphibian Ark (AArk), coordinated by Renata Ibelli Vaz and Cybele Sabino Lisboa. This program was established in 2023 after receiving an AArk Program Grant. Its goal is to raise awareness about ex situ conservation strategies and strengthen the conservation of endangered amphibians in Brazil.

Read our recent article about the strategies for Melanophryniscus setiba and Physalaemus soaresi here.

AArk Grants

2024

Program Grant for Melanophryniscus setiba (read more here) | Adriana Mezini and Marcelo Bellini Lucas, Museu Biológico Instituto Butantan
Program Grant for Physalaemus soaresi (read more here) | Samuel Vieira, BioParque do Rio
Workshop Grant (read more here) | Fabricio Rassy and Iago Junqueira, São Paulo Zoo
Extension Grant for Nyctimantis pomba (read more here) | Cybele Lisboa, AArk National Coordinator

2022

Startup Grant for Pithecopus rusticus | Benjamin Phalan, Parque das Aves
Startup Grant for Atelopus hoogmoedi | Cybele Lisboa, Reserva Paulista São Paulo Zoo