Q: What is Tree Walkers?

A: Tree Walkers International is a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the preservation of the world’s declining amphibian populations through individual action.

Q: Where did the name come from?

A: Tree Walkers International began as a group of Dendrobatid (poison dart frog) hobbyists who are concerned about the plight of the world’s amphibians and frustrated by the lack of opportunity to use their skills to preserve wild amphibians. The family name for poison dart frogs (Dendrobatidae), means “tree lover” or “tree walker”. It is the perfect name to reflect the origins of the organization and the jewels we seek to preserve.

Q: Who founded Tree Walkers?

A: The organization was founded by a diverse group of individuals with a shared concern over the current global amphibian crisis. TWI founders include zoo professionals, scientists, professional conservationists, students, artists, and concerned individuals. The diversity of our founders gives TWI a unique collective perspective that allows us to explore the potential of previously untapped solutions in the struggle to preserve the world’s amphibians.

Q: Why was Tree Walkers founded?

A: Amphibians are in the midst of a global extinction event. Of the more than 5,000 currently recognized species of amphibians, more than one third are suffering serious declines or have recently gone extinct. Despite having survived millions of years, from the Triassic to the present, amphibians are now facing a crisis like no other. The reasons for the decline are varied and include habitat loss, environmental pollutants, epidemic disease (such as chytrid fungus), and unsustainable harvest for the pet trade. TWI was founded to allow individuals to become directly involved in amphibian conservation to help reverse the declines of wild amphibian populations.

Q: How is TWI different from other amphibian conservation organizations and initiatives?

A: There are a number of dedicated professional organizations working to address the global amphibian crisis. TWI was created to form a bridge between these groups and individuals. The current crisis is so large that we need to exploit every available resource to be successful. TWI organizes individuals into a powerful resource that conservation professionals can use without exhausting their limited funds.

Q: Why should people be concerned about declining amphibian populations?

A: Aside from the philosophical supposition that the world is simply a more interesting and beautiful place with amphibians, there are many practical reasons. Amphibians have long played a key role in the advancement of biological sciences and human medicine. From using amphibians in high school biology classes to human pregnancy testing labs, humans have benefited them in many ways. For example, poisonous compounds isolated from an Ecuadorian frog (Epibatadine) have been used to develop a painkiller that is many times more powerful than morphine but lacks addictive side effects. Medical researchers are exploring whether other amphibian-derived chemicals can be used to treat diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Some amphibian species can survive being frozen solid. Understanding the processes that make this possible could provide breakthroughs for developing cryogenic treatments that would allow human life to be suspended during prolonged surgery. More recently, the role of amphibians in sustaining healthy ecosystems is being recognized. Amphibians consume an enormous number of insects and other potential pests. Some evidence suggests that the disappearance of amphibians may result in increased incidence of insect-borne disease such as malaria. A recent study from Panama suggests that the disappearance of amphibians may result in catastrophic ecosystem collapse. Although it might sound like a cliché, amphibians may be the canary in the coal mine warning us of imminent ecological disasters on a global scale. TWI believes that maintaining healthy amphibian populations will contribute to sustaining a healthy environment and strong economies, both of which humans need to support a high quality-of-life.

Q: How does TWI help offset the global amphibian crisis?

A: Tree Walkers International provides a way for individuals to become directly involved in amphibian conservation through organized programs designed for maximum efficiency and impact. Whether through the Amphibian Steward Network, which uses the resources and skills of individuals for the captive propagation of imperiled amphibians, or through Operation Frog Pond, where individuals create vital amphibian habitats in their own backyards and neighborhoods, TWI volunteers can make small contributions to amphibian conservation that accumulate into a large positive difference.

Q: What is the Amphibian Steward Network?

A: ASN is a community of volunteers dedicated to preserving amphibians through captive breeding and sustainable husbandry. In response to the unprecedented decline of wild amphibians, conservationists are scrambling to protect populations before they disappear. This often means bringing animals into captive breeding programs until they can be returned to the wild. But, the magnitude of the crisis exceeds the capacity of zoos, aquariums and other professional institutions. Thousands of individuals across the globe have the resources and skills needed to propagate amphibians. With appropriate protocols and guidelines, and a modest amount of training, these individuals significantly expand the capacity for saving imperiled amphibian populations through captive breeding. ASN is designed to provide that additional capacity by training volunteers and forming a network with professional institutions. But, ASN is not just about breeding amphibians for restoration to the wild. It is also about creating a new ethic among private amphibian enthusiasts that emphasizes providing sound stewardship for animals in captivity. ASN strives to manage captive populations in responsible ways that reduce the demand for wild caught specimens. In addition, TWI supports sustainable collection, importation, and husbandry practices that contribute to the local economies where wild amphibians live. Therefore, ASN provides opportunities for amphibian enthusiasts of all skill levels to have a positive impact on wild amphibian populations. Click here for more information about ASN.

Q: What is Operation Frog Pond?

A: OFP harnesses the rising popularity of ornamental ponds and home landscaping to help offset amphibian habitat loss. With modifications to traditional ornamental pond designs, private and public landscapes could provide critical habitat for local amphibians. But OFP goes beyond traditional backyard wildlife habitat programs by using the best available science to develop design principles and techniques that are most appropriate for a given location. Amphibian experts work together to determine where and how creating small-scale amphibian habitat projects will be most effective. OFP research associate volunteers become part of this expert network by collecting data, conducting experiments, and reporting their results. Scientists will have access to this vital data, which is expected to help them identify practices that will work best to offset local amphibian declines. Click here for more information about OFP.

Q: Does TWI have an education mission?

A: Yes, TWI is committed to educating the public about the ongoing amphibian crisis and the importance of maintaining healthy amphibian populations. TWI works with schools and universities through both the Amphibian Steward Network and Operation Frog Pond to get teachers and students directly involved with amphibian conservation. In addition, through collaboration with TWI, Justin Yeager has spearheaded Operation Atelopus, which is producing a documentary about the devastating effects of chytrid fungus on neotropical amphibians.

Q: How can people help?

A: TWI uses the power of skilled volunteers to provide an enormous “bang for the buck” in addressing the global amphibian crisis. However, the ultimate success of TWI will depend on developing a small, dedicated staff to move TWI’s ambitious programs forward and make them successful. Becoming a member is the quickest way to get involved. Beyond membership, TWI needs volunteers to help develop programs such as the Amphibian Steward Network and Operation Frog Pond. These programs form the backbone of TWI activities and need volunteer support to succeed.

Q: How are membership donations used?

A: A small portion of the donations are used to cover the modest expenses incurred to operate TWI. The majority of donations are used to develop educational and promotional materials that get the word out about the plight of amphibians globally, and the innovative programs that TWI has to save them. TWI is currently an all volunteer organization with no paid staff. Therefore, membership donations are not used to pay staff salaries and there are no plans to ever use membership donations to do so.