Amphibians (animals that live on land and water) are the most threatened animals in the world with many at risk of extinction.

A search in 14 different countries will take place over the next two months. Among the species on the list are the golden toad (pictured here), the hula painted frog, the scarlet frog and the Mesopotamia beaked toad.

The main reason frogs are becoming rare is because their homes are being destroyed as forests are cut down and wetlands are drained. But a newer threat causing their numbers to drop is a fungal disease carried in water.

Dr Claude Gascon, vice-president of Conservation International, says: “The search for these lost animals may well yield vital information in our attempts to stop the amphibian extinction crisis and information that helps humanity to better understand the impact that we are having on the planet.”