ce of disease.
“As is often the case with amphibian species, there can be many potential explanations for the northern cricket frog’s decline in New York,” said Dr. Scott Silver, director and curator of the Queens Zoo. “By testing for disease pathogens we hope to eliminate disease as a reason for their population declines. Then we can continue to narrow down the list of possible causes until we discover why these guys are disappearing. We have a long way to go to figure out the answers to this mystery, but at least this is a first step.”
Said NYSDEC Assistant Commissioner, Natural Resources, Christopher Amato, “Cricket frogs are an important component of New York’s biological diversity and natural heritage, and it is our goal to ensure we continue to have them in our state for future generations. This scientific research will help us better understand one of the potential threats to the cricket frogs’ survival. The Wildlife Conservation Society’s continued involvement and leadership play an important role in helping to solve this mystery.”
Cricket frogs are protected within New York State. They live in forests that have swamps, streams, lakes or ponds and can often be found in large groups on the banks of streams.
Barbara Russo: 718-265-3428; firstname.lastname@example.org
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The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide. We do so through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world’s largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together these activities change attitudes toward nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony. WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth.
The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Queens Zoo – Open every day of the year. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors 65 and older, $5 for kids 3-12, free for children under 3. Zoo hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. weekends, April through October, and 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily, November through April. The Queens Zoo is located at 53-51 111th Street in Flushing Meadow’s Corona Park in Queens. For further information, call 718-271-1500 or visit www.queenszoo.com.
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