KNOWSLEY Safari Park is at the forefront of a battle against a disease – dubbed Frog Aids – that is threatening to wipe out up to half of all amphibian species.

Experts believe that, after thriving for 350m years, frogs, toads and other amphibians could die out in the single largest mass extinction since the disappearance of the dinosaurs.

Campaigners Amphibian Ark have designated 2008 as the Year of the Frog, and recruited Sir David Attenborough as their patron to raise awareness of the current threat.

Knowsley is creating a special habitat where the amphibians can thrive and supporting a nationwide campaign to raise £25m to rescue endangered frogs and place them in “protective custody”.

Safari Park general manager David Ross said: “We’re delighted to be doing our bit to support this important campaign and we hope visitors will give generously to support all our fundraising activities .

“Frogs and toads are extraordinary animals but without immediate conservation action hundreds of species could die out within the next few years.”

The urgent problem facing frogs and toads is Chytrid Fungus, a disease that is deadly to amphibians which has been spreading from Africa over the past 50 years.

In the wild, Chytrid fungus is unstoppable and untreatable. In the environments where it thrives, it can kill 80% of amphibians within months, which has already resulted in widespread extinctions.

Amphibians are also facing habitat loss, climate change, pollution and pesticides, as well as over-collection for use as food or pets.

Knowsley Safari Park is now inviting animal enthusiasts to jump in with both feet and support a major fundraising drive to save the world’s frogs.

The attraction is organising a sponsored Big Leap from the 50ft-high tower of its Aerial Extreme adventure ropes course.

Appropriately, the event will take place on Leap Year Day, Friday, February 29, as part of the international Amphibian Ark campaign. Organisers see it as a way of raising awareness of the Amphibian Ark.

Failing to prevent the decline of frogs and toads could have serious consequences ecologically, campaigners warn.

FOR more details of the Big Leap, contact Knowsley Safari Park education department on 0151 430 9009 extension 205 or email education@knowsley.com

richarddown