Exploring the Denver Zoo’s Efforts to Conserve the Boreal Toad

Zoo Core Editors Desk

Exploring the Denver Zoo’s Efforts to Conserve the Boreal Toad

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The Denver Zoo is at the forefront of conserving the endangered boreal toad, a species native to the Southern Rocky Mountains. As a leading institution in amphibian conservation, the zoo is dedicated to preventing the extinction of this unique and ecologically important species.

The Boreal Toad: A Threatened Amphibian

Denver Zoo Boreal Toad
Image Credit: Wikimedia

The boreal toad (Anaxyrus boreas) is a medium-sized amphibian found in the high-elevation wetlands and forests of Colorado and New Mexico. These toads play a crucial role in their ecosystem, serving as both predators and prey, and contributing to the overall health of the mountain environment.

Denver Zoo’s Conservation Program

Denver Zoo Boreal Toad

Breeding and Reintroduction

The Denver Zoo’s boreal toad conservation program focuses on breeding the toads in captivity and reintroducing them into the wild. By raising tadpoles and releasing them into suitable habitats, the zoo aims to boost the species’ population and help it build genetic resistance to the deadly chytrid fungus.

Collaboration with Colorado Parks and Wildlife

The zoo’s efforts are closely coordinated with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the state agency leading the charge to conserve the boreal toad. Together, they work to identify the best locations for reintroduction, monitor the health of wild populations, and gather critical data to inform their conservation strategies.

Community Science Project: “Team Toad”

To engage the public in their conservation efforts, the Denver Zoo has launched a community science project called “Team Toad.” Volunteers can join field days, where they learn about boreal toad biology, survey high-elevation wetlands, and help collect data on the species’ distribution and health.

Addressing the Chytrid Fungus Threat

The primary threat to the boreal toad is the chytrid fungus, a devastating pathogen that has decimated amphibian populations worldwide. The zoo’s conservation program focuses on understanding the impacts of this fungus and developing strategies to help wild populations build resistance.

Long-term Commitment

The Denver Zoo’s boreal toad conservation program is a long-term effort, with the zoo estimating that it will take many years to bring the species back to a secure level in the Southern Rocky Mountains. This commitment reflects the zoo’s dedication to preserving the ecological balance of the region.

Visiting the Denver Zoo

If you’re interested in learning more about the Denver Zoo’s boreal toad conservation efforts, you can visit the zoo and explore the exhibits and educational resources related to this important work. The zoo is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and admission varies depending on age and membership status.

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