Toad trackers: amphibians as gateway species to biodiversity stewardship

Published source details Rommel R.E. (2012) Toad trackers: amphibians as gateway species to biodiversity stewardship. Herpetological Review, 43, 417–421.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Provide education programmes about amphibians Action Link

Provide education programmes about amphibians

A study in 2010–2012 of the Toad Trackers education programme in Houston, USA and Zimbabwe (Rommel 2012) found that over 190 participants completed the course and as a result were more aware of the threats to and conservation of amphibians. Since 2010, 172 participants in the USA and approximately 20 in Zimbabwe completed the course. At the end of the course, 95% of participants could list human threats to amphibians. All participants could identify simple ways they could help amphibians, such as organic gardening, helping with habitat restoration and protection, volunteering for citizen science programmes and educating others. The Houston Zoo Conservation Department developed the programme with professional herpetologists. It was aimed mainly at 8–18 year olds, but also used for teachers, zoo workers and college students. Classroom workshops and field-based experiences covered topics such as amphibian ecological roles, conservation issues, native frog diversity and data collection. At the end of fieldwork, students completed an evaluation.