Rare tree frog euthanized at Zoo Atlanta

Officials pushing for safety on U.S. 35 interchanges project
Updated 17 min. ago
Dayton VA closer to National Historic Landmark status
Updated 20 min. ago
Supreme Court stops same-sex marriage lawsuit
8:55 p.m.
Salem Ave. Bridge to close for 4 years
8:48 p.m.
Plan would ease filing local taxes
8:33 p.m.
> More headlines

The Associated Press 2:16 PM Friday, February 17, 2012

ATLANTA — Zoo Atlanta officials say a rare tree frog whose species is now believed to be extinct in the wild had to be euthanized after a decline in his health.

The Rabbs' fringe-limb tree frog was believed to be one of the last two of its kind left on Earth. Zoo officials said Friday the frog was euthanized to prevent suffering and to preserve genetic material for research.

The species was identified by Zoo Atlanta herpetology curator Joseph Mendelson during a 2005 trip to Panama. Mendelson says a pathogen known as the amphibian chytrid fungus has been killing off frog species in the wild.

The last known member of the Rabbs' fringe-limbed tree frog species lives at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

___

Online:

http://www.zooatlanta.org

___

February 17, 2012 07:10 PM EST

Share this article