Launched in January 2007, ZSL's EDGE of Existence programme prioritises species for conservation attention according to their degree of unique evolutionary history (Evolutionary Distinctiveness) weighted by conservation urgency (Global Endangerment, representing threat status according to the IUCN Red List). The world's most Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) species are not only on the verge of extinction but are also totally unique in the way they look, live and behave. These irreplaceable species include the long-beaked echidna (one of only two types of egg-laying mammal), the Chinese giant salamander (a newt that has reached human proportions) and the West Indian solenodons (the only mammals capable of injecting venom into their prey through their teeth). EDGE species are immediate priorities for conservation attention because if they disappear then millions of years of unique evolutionary history will be lost forever and there will be nothing like them left on earth.
Our research has identified a major gap in global conservation efforts: 64% of the world's top 100 EDGE mammals and 85% of the top 100 EDGE amphibians are currently receiving little or no conservation attention. These alarming figures are likely to be even higher in less well-known taxa. EDGE's mission is to secure the future of these forgotten species through supporting targeted on-the-ground action for priority EDGE species (EDGE Projects), building conservation capacity in regions in which priority EDGE species occur (through our Fellowship programme) and encouraging others to support and engage in EDGE species conservation.
For more information visit: www.edgeofexistence.org
Spends most of the year 1.3-3.7m underground, only surfacing to breed in the rainy season
The Purple Frog is considered a "living fossil", as it is the only surviving member of a frog family called the Nasikabatrachidae
They were discovered in 2003!
Photo Courtesy of: S D Biju
Purple Frog from JP Keenan on Vimeo.
Total length: 7 cm
The Seychelles frogs, which were present on the Indo-Madagascan landmass with the purple frog's predecessors when it broke away from the supercontinent of Gondwana 120 million years ago.
Termites
Coming up from underground into a world of broad daylight to congregate, call upon the opposite sex, and copulate during a monsoon
Stick-in-the-mud who comes to the occasional holiday party for free food and whose terribly dry humor lightens up the room enough to invite him back year after year
Deforestation for coffee, cardamom, and ginger plantations
Thank You to Our Green Sponsors For Helping Save These Animals From Extinction
© 2011 GabbyWild.com. All Rights Reserved.
Site by Steve & Jenna
