Spring Forward into Daylight Savings at Aquarium of the Bay

SAN FRANCISCO, March 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Springing forward into daylight savings, Aquarium of the Bay will host an interactive, fun-filled celebration starring Pacific Tree Frogs, Western Toads and amphibian friends on Sunday, March 14, 2010.  The Aquarium's Husbandry and Conservation teams will lead special animal interactions, themed hands-on activities and more during this free-with-admission celebration, while highlighting issues facing amphibian species worldwide.

It is estimated that at least one-third of known amphibian species are threatened with extinction, a rate higher than that for any bird or mammal. As a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Aquarium of the Bay cares for and works to conserve local amphibians.

Pacific Tree Frogs, Pseudacris regilla, are the most widespread local frog species, found from British Columbia to Baja.  Its ribbit is also popular amongst the Hollywood set, and is used regularly on the big and small screen.  While in healthy condition, its vitality is dependent on climactic conditions.  In Nevada, Pacific Tree Frogs were eliminated ten times in the 1900's due to flooding or drought, but have since rebounded.

Western Toads, Bufo boreas, prefer to crawl versus hop, and can be found in mountain meadows to desert flats, from Alaska through California.  Females lay strings of up to 12,000 eggs per clutch, which hatch in less than ten days.  While widely distributed, the toad is negatively impacted by chytrid fungus, which is affecting amphibian species worldwide.  Loss of wetlands also threatens the toad's vitality.  

California newts, Taricha torosa will also be highlighted at the celebration.  The animal is visiting with the traveling GEICO Gecko Exhibit that will remain at the Aquarium through the end of April.

Visit www.aquariumofthebay.org for the full lineup of Spring Forward activities.

About Aquarium of the Bay

Aquarium of the Bay is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit marine nature center owned and operated by The Bay Institute.  The Aquarium is dedicated to creating experiences that inspire conservation of San Francisco Bay and its watershed.  It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and certified as a Green Business by the city of San Francisco.  Additional information on Aquarium of the Bay is available at www.aquariumofthebay.org, and on The Bay Institute at www.bay.org.

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SOURCE Aquarium of the Bay