80% of Hispaniola's amphibians face extinction, say experts

More than 80 percent of amphibians on Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti) are in danger of extinction, according to experts who attended this year's CaribPARC 2015 Conference in the Dominican Republic.

Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) grantees in the Caribbean Islands biodiversity hotspot attended, including Philadelphia Zoo, the Société Audubon in Haiti and Grupo Jaragua, who are collaborating on amphibian conservation in four key biodiversity areas in Hispaniola and have provided up-to-date information on the conservation status of 38 amphibian species. These grantees have received financial support from CEPF for the following projects:

Building Local Management Capacity and Conservation Plans to Save Endangered Frogs in Four High Priority Key Biodiversity Areas in Hispaniola

Grantee: The Zoological society of Philadelphia

In close coordination with sub-grantees Société Audubon in Haiti and Grupo Jaragua in the Dominican Republic, this grant supports amphibian conservation in four key biodiversity areas in Hispaniola. Components include strengthening the technical capacity of 50 local conservationists and community members, establishment of a bi-national network of 17 institutions, conducting baseline ecological field work (including determination of the presence of chytrid fungus), developing site-based amphibian management guidelines, and conducting relevant environmental education for communities and the general public.

Building Local Management Capacity to Save Endangered Frogs in Massif de La Selle/Forêt des Pins, Haiti

Grantee: Societe Audubon Haiti

Hold a workshop to promote the conservation of amphibians and the biological diversity of Massif de la Selle, Haiti, to encourage the adoption and implementation of amphibian management plans into local and national programs by local stakeholders and key players in the country. This grant will provide workshop participants with the necessary information and tools to make better decisions regarding conservation and help to build capacity at the local and regional level.

Integrating Communities in the Bi-National Corridor of the Biosphere Reserve of Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo/Massif de la Selle Between the Dominican Republic and Haiti

Grantee: Grupo Jaragua (GJ)

Promote beekeeping as a sustainable livelihood option favorable for biodiversity conservation in the Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo/Massif de la Selle between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Develop action learning on beekeeping for families in the corridor so that their livelihoods contribute to the corridor's conservation objectives, particularly protection of the Critically Endangered Ricord's iguana (Cyclura ricordi).

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Established in 2000, the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is a global leader in enabling civil society to participate in and influence the conservation of some of the world's most critical ecosystems. CEPF is a joint initiative of l'Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Conservation International, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Government of Japan, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and the World Bank.