Our mission is rescuing amphibians in crisis, saving species that cannot be currently safeguarded in nature.
Amphibian Ark leads efforts to save amphibian species that face immediate extinction risks.
By establishing ex situ rescue populations, we buy critical time for these species until their natural environments can support them again. Our efforts are complemented by global partners and experts who support each step of the process.
Amphibian Ark timeline
Amphibian Ark was founded in 2007 by the IUCN SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG, today CPSG), and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) to carry out the ex situ components of the original Amphibian Conservation Action Plan (ACAP).
2004
The first IUCN Global Amphibian Assessment revealed that 1/3 of all amphibians are threatened with extinction. That's more than for any other class of vertebrates!
2005
The Global Amphibian Assessment led to the establishment of the IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (ASG) to mobilize a global response to the amphibian crisis.
2006
The need to prioritize amphibian ex situ action arose at a joint IUCN SSC workshop between the CBSG (today CPSG) and the WAZA.
2007
In 2007, Amphibian Ark was established to coordinate the urgent ex situ response to the amphibian extinction crisis.
2009
By 2009, we established the Conservation Needs Assessment (CNA) process and launched the AArk Grant Program.
2013
By 2013, we had already completed over 2,000 CNAs in 24 countries, including assessments of over 1,000 threatened amphibian species.
2017
This year, the first reintroduction trials from an AArk-funded program began with the Valcheta frog (Pleuroderma somuncurense) in northern Patagonia, Argentina.
2021
By 2021, we had trained over 2,500 people in ex situ amphibian conservation in 34 range countries, and granted over $250,000 to help initiate 42 species rescue programs across 22 range countries.
2023
In 2023, the Second IUCN Global Amphibian Assessment states that 41% of all amphibian species are now threatened with extinction. We still have a lot of work to do! Through our Conservation Needs Assessments, at least 384 species have been identified as in need of rescue.
2025
After the successful start of AArk's Brazil Program, in 2025 we are starting two new National Programs in Colombia and Guatemala. Learn more about them here.
As of 2023, we have…
The vision
With the shared vision of building a future where amphibians thrive in nature, Amphibian Ark works in synergy with the IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (ASG) and the Amphibian Survival Alliance (ASA).
Amphibian Ark leads in the rescue of amphibian species in dire circumstances via temporary ex situ solutions. By establishing ex situ populations, we buy critical time for these species until their natural environments can support them once again. Amphibian Ark leads on Conservation Needs Assessments, implementing rescue programs for species at risk, integrated planning, and capacity-building.
The IUCN SSC ASG provides the scientific foundation to inform effective global amphibian conservation. The ASG's Red List Authority (ARLA) maintains the amphibian assessments on the IUCN Red List through the Global Amphibian Assessment Initiative.
ASA works to conserve amphibians in the wild and coordinate global partnerships, funding, communication, and education.
Together we strive towards this unified vision by promoting global conservation efforts that are scientifically informed, strategically directed, and inclusive of diverse stakeholders.
Our Founding Partners
