BENEFITING: Save the Frogs
EVENT: Mozilla Firefox Challenge
EVENT DATE: Jan 03, 2012
DEADLINE TO GIVE: Jul 01, 2012
HERE'S THE STORY:

SAVE THE FROGS in Belize

Introduction: Belize is a wonderful little country that is located east of Guatemala and is nestled beneath the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. Like many countries in Central America, Belize is a hot spot of biodiversity and is home to 37 species of amphibians. Little is known about the amphibians of Belize and more studies are needed to understand the current status regarding their conservation.  However, Belize is a developing country and many of these species are under threat of extinction from habitat destruction and the threat of the nefarious Chytrid Fungus, which has already driven many Central American species to extinction.

Please visit the SAVE THE FROGS! Belize page to learn about my accomplishments and future goals towards bringing further amphibian conservation efforts to this wonderful country!

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SAVE THE FROGS! in Belize: July 2012

I will be returning to Belize in July 2012 to continue spreading SAVE THE FROGS' amphibian conservation message. In particular, I will be giving more presentations and working to grow Belize's network of students, academics and biologists interested in amphibian conservation efforts. I am especially excited to go to villages in areas of high amphibian biodiversity to encourage children and adults to understand the importance of amphibians within their local ecosystems. I plan to return to the Belize Zoo and the Belize Herpetarium to create amphibian conservation exhibits and speak to the graduate biology students at the University of Belize. I will also survey for threatened amphibians in the Bladen Nature Reserve's Chiquibul Forest and other areas of high amphibian biodiversity; and sample frogs for the chytrid fungus, which has caused major amphibian declines throughout Central America. There is so much to do!

I am dependent on the generosity of others to make these goals become reality! Much of this work is paid out of my own pocket, and there are many costs associated with this project including food, lodging, and travel to and within the country. This funding will also allow me to bring educational materials to Belize to help further educate Belizeans about the threats facing amphibians.

Breakdown of costs for my work in Belize:

• Airfare: $900
• Food/Lodging: $600
• Travel within the Country: $300
• Educational Materials: $500

Total costs for July 2012: $2,300
Fundraising for efforts in January 2012: $700
Combined total costs for my conservation efforts in Belize: $3,000

Please make a tax-deductible donation and help me bring my passion for amphibian conservation to Belize. I will be certain to list you on the SAVE THE FROG'S Belize webpage in acknowledgement of your generous contribution. Thank you so much for your support!

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SAVE THE FROGS! in Belize: January 2012

In January 2012 I traveled to Belize for 12 days to help spread the message of amphibian conservation and to promote appreciation of wildlife and nature through education. I met with Belizean biologists, gave presentations about amphibian ecology and conservation, distributed educational materials and surveyed and photographed frog populations.

Before I left the USA, I raised $250 to fund a Save The Frogs Day event in Belize on April 28th, 2012.  I am proud to announce that these funds will be donated to The Belize Zoo so they can hold a Save The Frogs Day event promoting appreciation for Belize's amphibans and to help bring awareness to their conservation!  Thank you TBZ for your support!

"A big thank you to Michael Starkey of the Save The Frogs initiative, for a fantastic presentation to the TBZ staff! With 200 amphibians gone extinct since 1979, and over 2000 more threatened to disappear this century, there is a great need to help save those long legged leapers. From being excellent pest control, to vital food sources for many carnivores (including humans!), frogs are definitely worth saving." – The Belize Zoo

To learn more about Belize’s amazing amphibians and to read about my adventures in Belize, please visit the SAVE THE FROGS! Belize webpage.

Please check out these links to learn more: 

• Check out the amazing amphibians of Belize
• Give your support to The Belize Zoo
• Learn about the current conservation efforts of SAVE THE FROGS!

My Gratitude and Appreciation:  With your generous help, I am able to bring my passion for amphibian conservation to Belize. Thank you so much for your support!