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There are many species of frogs and toads that are endangered. Researchers do not know exactly how many of the world's 5,000 amphibian species are in trouble, because there are many parts of the world that have not been studied, and many amphibian species are yet to be discovered. There are some amphibian species that have totally disappeared. For example the Golden Toad from Costa Rica, which has not been seen since 1988, and the Gastric Brooding Frog from Australia, have disappeared from areas that have had little or no human disturbance. For more information check A Natural History of Amphibians, by Stebbins and Cohen, and Tracking the Vanishing Frogs, by Phillips. Click here for a list of amphibian species presumed to be extinct. Click on the following endangered or extinct species for more information: JACKSON, Mississippi, May 24, 2000 (ENS) The Mississippi gopher frog once lived in the longleaf pine forests of the lower coastal plain from east of the Mississippi River in Louisiana to the Mobile River delta in Alabama. It has not been seen in Louisiana since 1962 or in Alabama since 1922. Today, just 100 adult frogs remain, all located in one pond at the edge of DeSoto National Forest in Harrison County, Mississippi. Biologists believe loss and degradation of habitat is the primary reason the species has declined. The single breeding pond used by the frogs is just 200 meters (656 feet) from a proposed 4,600 acre residential development. This development and the anticipated future urban development it will bring to the area, including highways and a proposed reservoir, could damage or destroy the frog's only remaining habitat. "This species is a unique part of the natural heritage of the South that could slide into extinction if we do not take action to protect and conserve it," said Sam Hamilton, USFWS Southeast regional director. "We are currently working with the developer to avoid potential impacts to the frog." Choose from these other areas:
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