And then there were none. 
 
 Toughie, the world's last Rabbs' fringe-limbed tree frog and a symbol of the extinction crisis, has died at his home in the Atlanta Botanical Garden. 
 
 The famed frog's age is unknown, but he's at least 12 years old, and likely older, because he was an adult when collected in 2005. 
 
 Mark Mandica, who worked with Toughie for seven years, says the frog's story isn't entirely unique. “A lot of attention had been paid to him in captivity, so he even has his own Wikipedia page,” Mandica, head of the Amphibian Foundation, notes. “But there are plenty of other species out there that are disappearing, sometimes before we even knew that they were there.” 
 
 In fact, Toughie's own species (Ecnomiohyla rabborum) wasn't described until 2008, a few years after Toughie was found during a 2005 frog rescue mission by the Atlanta Botanical Garden and Zoo Atlanta. He was one of many frogs scientists raced to collect as the deadly chytrid fungus closed in on central Panama. 
 
 “It was likened to just rescuing things from a burning house,” Mandica says. 
 
 The species occurred in a very small range, at an elevation where the fungus proved especially deadly. Field studies suggest up to 85 percent of all the amphibians on Toughie's home turf were wiped out. It's unlikely that any of his kind survived in the wild, where they were incredible climbers and also graceful gliders—toe webbing allowed them to soar from one tree to the next. (Learn about the increasing pace of extinctions.) 
 
 Watch: This tree frog's death marks the end for a species. 
 
 Naming a Survivor 
 
 Mandica's son, then a two-year-old, dubbed the last survivor Toughie. Naming animals isn't the norm among scientists, but the frog's popularity as the last of his kind meant that people (and the press) kept demanding a name—and Toughie stuck. 
 
 Although he gave voice to the plight of endangered species, Toughie was silent for all the years he lived at the botanical garden, until one fateful morning in 2014 when Mandica captured the only existing example of the Rabbs' fringe-limbed tree frog's call. 
 
 “I heard this weird call coming out of the frog [area], and I knew it had to be him, because I knew what all the other species sounded like. I was able to sneak in and record him on my phone.” (Hear Toughie's call.) 
 
 View Images Toughie was photographed in his captive home at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Goegraphic Photo Ark 
 
 Atlanta Botanical Garden 
 
 Photographing the Last of a Kind 
 
 Photographer Joel Sartore recalls a curious, baseball-size creature with amazing eyes that actually hopped up onto his camera while being photographed for the Photo Ark project. Photo Ark aims to showcase our planet's incredible biodiversity and inspire people to help fight the extinction crisis while there is still time. So far, Sartore has photographed more than 6,000 species. Unfortunately, many others also represent the end of the line for their kind. 
 
 “About once a year I photograph something that's the last of its kind or close to it,” he says. “I get sad and angry because I can't imagine that this won't wake the world up and get people to care about extinction. I keep thinking, OK, this is the one. This animal's story is going to do it and get people to care more about extinction than about what's on TV. 
 
 “They can't care if they don't know these animals,” he adds. “They have to meet them and fall in love with them the way that I have and so many others have.” 
 
 Watch: Scientists rush to save other tree frogs in Central America. 
 
 Toughie, indeed, had lots of admirers. Last year his image was even projected onto St. Peter's Basilica, and his call played, so that the world could see and hear him. 
 
 The frog met race car drivers and movie directors, Sartore recalls. “A lot of people were moved to tears when they saw him. When you have the very last of something it's a special deal.” 
 
 Now he's gone, and with him an entire species. And as large numbers of animals and plants continue to vanish, their loss increasingly compromises the healthy ecosystems necessary for everyone's survival—including our own. (Can extinct species ever be brought back?) ||||| The Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog evolved in the fishless waters of Yosemite: "... advent of fish in a lake sooner or later nearly or quite eliminates the frogs. It seems probable that the fish prey upon the tadpoles, so that few or none of the latter are able to reach the stage at which they transform. The frogs which live along the streams probably spawn in small temporary pools in the meadows which the trout cannot reach."—Animal Life in the Yosemite by J. Grinnell and T.I. Storer, 1924 Basic Biology Endangered status: Federal Endangered species and California Threatened species 
 
 Federal Endangered species and California Threatened species Physical description of adults: Pattern on back highly variable with ranging from a few large to many small discrete dark spots within a variably colored mosaic of pale spots of different sizes and shapes; back usually mixture of brown and yellow, but often gray, red, or green-brown; underside of hind legs yellow; throat is white or yellow 
 
 Pattern on back highly variable with ranging from a few large to many small discrete dark spots within a variably colored mosaic of pale spots of different sizes and shapes; back usually mixture of brown and yellow, but often gray, red, or green-brown; underside of hind legs yellow; throat is white or yellow Size: Up to 3 ½ inches long 
 
 Up to 3 ½ inches long Habitat: High mountain lakes, ponds, tarns and steams; rarely found more than 3 feet from water 
 
 High mountain lakes, ponds, tarns and steams; rarely found more than 3 feet from water Reproduction: Eggs laid as snow begins to melt; egg mass may be as small as a walnut or as large as a grapefruit; tadpoles take up to 4 years to metamorphosis into adults 
 
 Eggs laid as snow begins to melt; egg mass may be as small as a walnut or as large as a grapefruit; tadpoles take up to 4 years to metamorphosis into adults Population status: 95% decline 
 
 95% decline Threats: Non-native fish, disease, airborne contaminants At one time the rare Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog (Rana sierrae) was the most abundant amphibian in the high mountain lakes of the Sierra Nevada. Visitors hiking along lakeshores could encounter frogs by the hundreds. Populations have since declined approximately 95% in the Sierra Nevada, including in Yosemite. Recent surveys in 2005-2007 determined that the species is still in rapid decline and on a trajectory toward extinction. Because of the precipitous declines, the frog is proposed as an Endangered species for protection under the Federal Endangered Species Act. The ecological effects of the loss of the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog from most of its range have been significant, as their former abundance made them a keystone predator and prey and a crucial agent of nutrient and energy cycling in Sierra Nevada aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Multiple factors have contributed to the decline of the frog, including the introduction of fish into naturally fishless waters throughout most of the park. As early as the turn of the 20th century, scientists in Yosemite noticed that frogs and fish rarely occurred in the same lake or stream. Non-native trout feed on eggs, tadpoles, and young adults and compete for natural food sources. Although fish stocking in Yosemite ceased in 1991, many non-native trout populations continue to exist. Studies suggest that the recently discovered amphibian chytrid fungus is a major contributor to observed declines in the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog. Chytridiomycosis, an often fatal disease, was first discovered in the Sierra Nevada in 2001. Subsequent studies have found that the chytrid fungus has been present in the Sierra Nevada at least since the mid-'70s. The chytrid fungus appears to live on keratin—the same substance fingernails are made of—found on the external mouthparts of tadpoles, and in the outer skin layer of adults. The growth of the fungus on adult’s skin apparently disrupts the frog’s ability to breathe through its skin and osmoregulate—sustain an internal water balance; both effects resulting in nearly certain death. Much still needs to be learned about the chytrid fungus, what its origins are and how it is spread. Research suggests that the fungus is a "novel pathogen," meaning that it has recently spread from outside the geographic area to highly susceptible local species that did not evolve with the pathogen. Chytrid fungus has occurred in African clawed frog populations at least since the 1930s and is rarely fatal in this species. The African clawed frog has been transported around the world first for human pregnancy tests in the 1940s-1950s and later for laboratory testing and as pets. Release of animals into the wild could have infected new geographic areas. Also unknown is how the fungus moves between water bodies. While the fungal disease is highly fatal to Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frogs, there is some hope. A small number of frog populations have been able to persist and some populations have even increased in size despite the presence of the chytrid fungus. Ongoing research supported by the National Science Foundation is investigating why these few populations have been able to hang on. Such research will contribute to development of strategies to reestablish populations of frogs in the future. Additional causes of decline may include deposition of airborne contaminants, such as pesticides and other chemicals, from sources outside the park, other pathogens, and possibly a combination of these and other stressors. Two ongoing experimental projects are being conducted in Yosemite to determine the feasibility of expanding the distribution of the frog in the park. The park began a Yosemite Conservancy supported project in 2006 to re-introduce the frogs into several fishless lakes and started a project in 2007, supported by entrance fee funds, to restore habitat by removing non-native fish from a handful of remote sites. Fish removal has focused on 11 lakes in six areas. Six of these lakes are now considered fishless (Virginia Lake, Cold Mountain Area Lakes, and Bartlett Creek Lakes) and five more are currently being restored to their natural fishless state (Tiny McCabe, Ardeth, Miwok, Roosevelt, and Hutchings Creek Lakes). These lakes constitute 5% of the lakes that contain fish in the park. Research has shown that once fishless, the lakes are re-populated by native species, including frogs and invertebrates. SPECIES: View a list of Yosemite’s amphibian species and a list of the park’s special status animal species. Saving Yosemite's Frogs Can we save the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog from extinction? Human introduced non-native species (fish and fungus) have been causing the frog to go from the most abundant amphibian in the Sierra Nevada to critically endangered. However, habitat restoration efforts in Yosemite are showing promising signs for the frog's recovery and long-term survival. Duration: 8 minutes, 27 seconds Date created: 2013-12-11 Download Original File: yose-savingfrogs.m4v 94,967 KB Fish Removal FAQ 
 
 Why are fish being removed from lakes in Yosemite National Park? 
 
 The primary reason fish are being removed from a small number of lakes is to provide more available breeding and overwintering habitat for the recovery and conservation of the federally endangered Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog. In addition, the restoration of mountain lakes to a fishless condition benefits ecosystem function as a whole, increasing insect diversity and abundance, which in turn benefits terrestrial wildlife species. Is Yosemite trying to remove fish from all waters within the park, and if not, how many lakes and streams will be affected? 
 
 Yosemite has almost 2,700 lakes, of which about 250 currently contain fish. The National Park Service anticipates removing fish only from approximately 25 lakes (about 10% of lakes containing fish) total over the next 15 to 20 years. In addition, there are approximately 1,200 miles of streams in Yosemite of which 800 miles support fish. There are no plans to remove trout from stream locations other than short segments associated with lake inlets and outlets at restoration sites. Where is the best place to receive the latest information regarding the removal of fish in order to plan a visit to the park? 
 
 The best place to receive the most current information for trip planning is at wilderness centers and permit stations. How do I express concerns, learn more about the fish removal program, and get on the mailing list for attending future public meetings with regards to plans involving fish removal? 
 
 Superintendent 
 
 Attn: High-Elevation Aquatic Ecosystem Recovery and Stewardship Plan Environmental Assessment 
 
 P.O. Box 577 
 
 Yosemite, CA 95389 
 
 Phone: 209/379-1365 
 
 Fax: 209/379-1294 
 
 Email 
 
 
 
 Learn more about the High-elevation Aquatic Ecosystem Recovery and Stewardship Plan 
 
 Factsheet: High-Elevation Aquatic Ecosytem Recovery Plan [80 kb PDF]. 
 
 Factsheet: Restoration of the Sierra Nevada Yellow-legged Frog: Experimental Fish Removal - learn about the impact of non-native fish. [77 kb PDF] 
 
 Factsheet: Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog - learn more about this frog's status. [299 kb PDF] 
 
 Factsheet: Yosemite toad - learn more about protecting this species of concern. [74.5 kb PDF] 
 
 Learn more about amphibians in Yosemite and how they have adapted to a more terrestrial lifestyle . 
 
 amphibians in Yosemite and how they have adapted to a more terrestrial lifestyle Understand how Yosemite's air quality might affect aquatic animals. The Sierra Nevada Southern Cascades Contaminants (SNSCC) Workshop's 2009report [530 kb PDF] summarizes potential impacts of airborne contaminants on the Sierra Nevada ecosystems. 
 
 SPECIES: View a list of Yosemite’s amphibian species and a list of the park’s special status animal species. 
 
 View a list of Yosemite’s amphibian species and a list of the park’s special status animal species. SuperintendentAttn: High-Elevation Aquatic Ecosystem Recovery and Stewardship Plan Environmental AssessmentP.O. Box 577Yosemite, CA 95389Phone: 209/379-1365Fax: 209/379-1294 ||||| Two Ensatina salamanders (Ensatina eschscholtzii), a species native to the West Coast of the United States. These salamanders are likely vulnerable to a horrific new chytrid fungus that has spread from Asia to Europe and now threatens to arrive in North America. 
 
 Each year, thousands of live salamanders arrive in shipments on U.S. shores, a trade that must stop immediately, scientists say. 
 
 According to new research, a ban on salamander imports is crucial to stopping the spread of a deadly fungus that kills almost every salamander it infects. Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, also known as Bsal, is a chytrid fungus, and a close relative of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), a frog fungus that is threatening species worldwide. 
 
 Bsal was first discovered in 2013 after fire salamanders in the Netherlands began dying in droves. Since then, the fungus has appeared in Belgium. Bsal originated in Asia, researchers have found, and spreads via the pet trade. [Album: Bizarre Frogs, Lizards and Salamanders] 
 
 It's that trade that puts North America at risk, researchers report today (July 30) in the journal Science. The continent is the global center for salamander diversity; 48 percent of all known salamander species live in North and Central America. Among these species are those most vulnerable to Bsal. 
 
 "This is the hot bed in the world for diversity of amphibians, and if that fungus gets here, it's going to be devastating," said study author Vance Vredenburg, a biologist at San Francisco State University. 
 
 Saving the salamanders 
 
 The story of the frog fungus Bd foreshadows the high stakes for North American salamanders. That fungus kills its froggy victims by invading their skin and thickening it. Because amphibians absorb water through their skin, the infection causes dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and eventual cardiac arrest. 
 
 Bd acts rapidly. In the Sierra Nevada mountains, the fungus killed 75 percent of the mountain yellow-legged frog population in a mere four years. The disease has also spread worldwide; In February, researchers wrote in the journal Scientific Reports that Bd has been found in Madagascar, an island long thought free of the disease. 
 
 "I've just seen devastation on a scale that is unbelievable, tens of thousands of animals dying in front me," Vredenburg, who has studied Bd for decades, told Live Science. 
 
 Bsal appears to be similarly devastating. The fungus is widespread in Asia, where amphibians don't appear susceptible to the infection's effects. But when salamander populations that didn't evolve alongside the fungus are exposed for the first time, the results are catastrophic. In Europe, the fatality rate among infected salamanders is about 96 percent, previous study has found. 
 
 An Ensatina salamander guards its eggs. These salamanders live in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, a region at risk from infection by the deadly new Bsal fungus, which kills nearly all salamanders it infects in new areas. Credit: Brian Freiermuth 
 
 Stopping the spread 
 
 Fearing that Bsal may soon land on North American shores, Vredenburg and his colleagues mapped out the regions where the Asian salamanders that carry the fungus are likely to find welcoming habitats. Next, the researchers combined that map with a measure of species richness, or how many salamander species live in each region. 
 
 The combined data revealed three spots that are particularly at risk because they're both high in salamander diversity and welcoming to the foreign carriers of the fungus: the southern United States, including the hot spot of diversity in the southern Appalachian Mountains; the highlands of Central Mexico; and the Pacific Northwest and Sierra Nevada Mountains. 
 
 These areas are home to many salamanders from the Plethodontidae and Salamandridae families, which are particularly vulnerable to Bsal infection, the researchers report. North American newts, which are in the Salamandridae family, have a 100 percent mortality rate when infected with Bsal in lab tests, researchers reported in 2013 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academies of Science. [Alien Invaders: Destructive Invasive Species] 
 
 The top U.S. ports for live salamander imports are alarmingly close to several of these hot spots, and 99 percent of the salamanders these ports trade hail from Asia, home to the chytrid fungus. Between 2010 and 2014, the researchers found, 768,572 salamanders potentially carrying Bsal arrived in U.S. ports. The top points of entry were Los Angeles; Tampa, Florida; New York; Atlanta; and San Francisco. (There were 779,002 salamanders imported in total during that time, with slightly more than 10,000 not carrying a risk of Bsal.) 
 
 "Atlanta and San Francisco really stood out as being in highly vulnerable zones," Vredenburg said. 
 
 Predicting exactly how and where Bsal might hit is a difficult task, warned Karen Lips, a biologist at the University of Maryland who has been involved in efforts to stop the fungus, but who did not take part in the current report. Vredenburg and his colleagues have made a good approximation, Lips told Live Science, but basic information about Bsal remains scarce. 
 
 "We don't know all the species that this thing can infect. That's one of the big problems," Lips said. "We also really don't know the details of the temperature requirements [for the fungus' spread], and we have no idea how the biology of the animals and the temperature and moisture requirements all interact." [7 Devastating Infectious Diseases] 
 
 Vredenburg and his colleagues are calling for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to immediately ban live salamander imports. The agency is very concerned about the potential spread of Bsal, USFWS spokesman Laury Marshall Parramore told Live Science. However, the Lacey Act, which allows for the agency to forbid the importation and interstate transport of injurious species, does not have a provision for emergency listings, Parramore said. 
 
 "We are working with colleagues from federal and state government agencies, academic institutions, industry, and nongovernmental organizations to find innovative solutions to the problem," she said. 
 
 The Lacey Act is a century old and applies only to vertebrate animals, Lips said. It wasn't built to contain fungi, parasites or even invertebrates like invasive worms. Lips is part of efforts to get new laws on the books that would allow for better control and testing for disease in imported wildlife. 
 
 "Having gone through the Bd story, we know this is something that we need to be concerned about," Lips said. "We need to take this seriously, and we need to do everything we can now to prevent its introduction." 
 
 Vredenburg recommends that concerned citizens avoid buying Asian salamanders and urge their representatives to take action to regulate the foreign pet trade. People with amphibious (or reptilian) pets should never release them into the wild, he added. 
 
 "When people think they're releasing these animals into a nice little home somewhere, what they don't realize is they're also releasing all the pathogens and symbiotes that go with them," he said. 
 
 Follow Stephanie Pappas on Twitter and Google+. Follow us @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on Live Science.
– A frog named Toughie, likely the last of his species, died quietly in his enclosure at the Atlanta Botanical Garden this week, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "He will be missed by Garden staff and visitors alike," the Garden posted on Facebook. The Rabbs' fringe-limbed tree frog wasn't even discovered until 2005 when scientists were attempting to rescue specimens of any amphibian they could before a deadly chytrid fungal infection hit Panama. According to National Geographic, Toughie made it out of Panama, but it's estimated that the chytrid fungus killed up to 85% of all amphibians left behind in his natural habitat. He had lived in isolation at the Garden since 2008. A cause of death is unknown, but Toughie was believed to be at least 12 years old. In his final years, Toughie became a "symbol of the extinction crisis." His photo was projected onto St. Peter's Basilica, and he was visited by film directors and race car drivers. "A lot of people were moved to tears when they saw him," a photographer who worked with Toughie says. "When you have the very last of something it's a special deal.” While some scientists are holding out hope for the Rabbs' tree frog, it's likely Toughie was the last, Scientific American reports. His species hasn't been seen in the wild since 2007. It's rare for humans to actually witness an extinction when it happens and not just learn about it years later. (For the first time, bees have been put on the endangered species list.)