Atlanta Botanical Gardens - FROGPOD
The frogPOD's exterior
Written By D.Knight
With Thanks to M.Mandica for all his help.
With Thanks to M.Mandica for all his help.
Introduction
In 2008 Work finally finished on creating the frogPOD, an on site bio-secure amphibian research lab constructed by container technology inc of Atlanta.
The 40 foot container was divided into two rooms, a clean room and a research lab. The clean room provides an area to scrub up before entering the lab, minimizing the risk of bringing contaminants into the lab itself. The interior door then leads through to the main lab, the place of amazing work and home to some very lucky frogs. With amphibians facing global decline pods and reserves such as these are a vital part in the battle to save many species, some of which are still new to science, from extinction.
Amphibians are a bio-indicator and have lots to offer science, Its important that we save these remarkably adaptive creatures before its to late
The 40 foot container was divided into two rooms, a clean room and a research lab. The clean room provides an area to scrub up before entering the lab, minimizing the risk of bringing contaminants into the lab itself. The interior door then leads through to the main lab, the place of amazing work and home to some very lucky frogs. With amphibians facing global decline pods and reserves such as these are a vital part in the battle to save many species, some of which are still new to science, from extinction.
Amphibians are a bio-indicator and have lots to offer science, Its important that we save these remarkably adaptive creatures before its to late
Captive breeding
ABG's first baby C.Craspedopus
The linoleum flooring glistens under the overhead lighting, the pumps run generating a low hum and the sound of trickling water is abundant all around. The air condition flicks on and his eyes open, scared he perches on a blue latex log not realizing just how important he is, AGBs first captive bred cryziohyla craspedopus was born. After many ups and downs the project was a success, one of the first times this remarkable species has been captive bred in the USA, and a glimmer of hope for a species so elusive it has evaded many herpetologists for years. The frogPOD is a breeding ground for some of the worlds most threatened amphibians, and the levels of success achieved by the staff are truly impressive. From the Lemur leaf frog, Agalychnis lemur, to San Jose Cochran frogs,Cochranella euknemos, the frogPOD is striving to push these remarkable creatures past the threats of Cythrid and habitat loss and back into the lush vegetation and forests they was once so abundant in.
Frogs on display
Costa Rica exhibit
With displays highlighting Costa Rica, Panama and The Amazon, each of the ABG's enclosures are geared towards a specific geographical region, and a vast amount of work has ensured that the frogs are as close to there natural surroundings as possible. Some of the frogs on display include Ranitomeya imitator, Phyllobates terribilis, Agalychnis lemur Dendrobates auratus, Cochranella granulosa, Dendrobates tinctorius, Colostethus pratti and Cryziohyla Craspedopus. These frogs, some of which are endangered, are great representatives of the geographical region and make the exhibits truly remarkable.
To learn more about the great work at AGB, and the day to day news from the frogPOD click HERE.
Gallery
All images copyrighted AMPHIBIAN CONSERVATION PROGRAM
Department of Research and Conservation, Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30309 USA, unless otherwise stated
Department of Research and Conservation, Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30309 USA, unless otherwise stated