The most strange creatures in the world are becoming increasingly unusual

Giant giant relatives of newts, frogs the size of paper pins, amphibians that do not have tentacles and transparent invisible salamanders are among the most bizarre creatures gender and also the most threatened species.

The most exotic amphibians in the world are at risk of extinction

The ZSL EDGE program focuses on some of the world's most unusual species currently facing extinction . This year's ZSL scientists assessed the status of all amphibians based on their evolutionary differences and dangerous global situation (EDGE).

Helen Meredith, EDGE amphibian coordinator, commented: 'EDGE amphibians are among the most unusual species on our planet. But with 85% of the 100 most endangered species yet to receive or receive very little attention to conservation. They will go extinct if we don't act now. Maybe these creatures are not cute, cute, but we hope that their extraordinary looks and strange actions will motivate people to act to preserve them. '

ZSL has identified and started to protect 9 of the most diverse and endangered amphibians, including :

1. Huge Chinese salamander species

Can grow up to 1.8m long, evolving independently from all other amphibian species about 100 million years ago Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaurs.

2. The worm worm Sagalla caecilian

Tentacle-legged amphibian species on either side of the head.

3. Purple frog species

The purple frog was only discovered in 2003 because it spent most of its time burying itself underground, up to 4m deep.

4. South African ghost frog

A species found in traditional human cemeteries at Skeleton Gorge on Table Mountain, South Africa.

5. Olm species

Unseen newts have transparent skin; they live on the ground, prey on smell and electromagnetic sensitivity; they can live without eating for 10 days.

6. Newts don't have Mexican lungs

The species is seriously threatened; they do not have lungs but breathe through the skin and mouth.

7. Malagasy rainbow frog

Very colorful frogs can inflate themselves when in danger; they can also climb up a steep cliff surface.

8. Chilean frog species Darwin

Frogs protect their cubs by holding them in their mouths; since 1980 they are no longer seen and perhaps they are extinct.

9. Betic midwife

Toad species evolved 150 million years ago; Males carrying eggs were fertilized by their hind legs.

Dr. Jonathan Baillie, in charge of the EDGE program, commented: 'The main tragedy is that the amphibians seem to be missed members in the animal kingdom, although there are 1 species of amphibians. currently threatened by extinction. This is a much larger rate than birds and mammals. They are like birds in cages, very sensitive to factors (such as climate change or pollution) leading to extinction. And they are also a sure warning about the impending problem. If they become extinct, other species will become extinct. The EDGE campaign is working hard to protect the forgotten creatures of the earth, ensuring the most incredible species can survive after the current extinction disaster to make our children wonder about the features their unique ".

EDGE animals are species with very few close relatives and have very large genetic differences compared to other species. They are facing an extremely dangerous situation and desperately need us to act immediately to save them from extinction . By combining the exact time of the unique evolutionary history of each species along with their extinction threat, scientists can determine their EDGE value and rely on it according to things. self.

In January 2007, the EDGE team evaluated the status of all mammals and made a list of 100 endangered mammals. Scientists are also taking similar measures to amphibians (like frogs, newts or worms). They found that 85 species of the top 100 species did not receive or received very little attention to conservation issues.

The reduced number of amphibians is the result of a wide range of threats including habitat destruction, pollution, climate change and disease . Scientists at ZSL are currently investigating the diseases that harm amphibians, in which they specifically focus on chytrid fungi that are associated with many global deaths.