A new global study published in the journal of Nature established that 41% of the world’s amphibian species are threatened with extinction. Almost 20 years ago, the assessment showed that number a little lower at 39%. Amphibians like salamanders, frogs, newts, and others continue to be in trouble.
On the Brink
Meaning, these creatures are either vulnerable, endangered, or on the brink of extinction. In fact a frog researcher from Duke University, Junjie Yao, stated, “Amphibians are the world’s most threatened animals.”
This is due to amphibians permeable skin and unique biology. These “make them very sensitive to environmental changes.” The single biggest threat to amphibians across the globe is ranching and farming. However, a growing number are being struck by novel diseases and climate control. Both of which are contributing to the death of some amphibians, according to the recent study.
Moreover, these cold-blooded animals have distinct life stages. Each one require specific habitats to ensure they survive. If any of these habitat environments are disrupted by changes, the animals are unable to fully grow.
Class Amphibia
There are approximately 8,100 species of living amphibians known to man. All fall in the class Amphibia due to them being cold-blooded vertebrates who don’t have scales. Each are characterized by their ability to exploit both aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
In fact, the name amphibian is derived from the Greek word, amphibios. Which literally means “living a double life.” However, while they all have a stage of life that is aquatic, they don’t all stay that way. Some species become permanent land dwellers, other stay aquatic, while some continue to live the best of both worlds.
A few examples of these creatures are:
- The American Bullfrog.
- Cane Toad.
- Mexican Axolotl.
- Newt.
- Poison Dart Frog.
- Spotted Salamander.
- Red-Eyed Tree Frog.
- And the Reticulated Glass Frog.
First Appearance
The earliest groups of amphibians appeared around 340 million years ago, during the Middle Mississippian Epoch. Moreover, they diverge from ancestral fish-tetrapod stock during the evolution of animals from strictly aquatic forms to terrestrial (land) types.
Today, the three orders of living amphibians believed to be kin to the ancestral ones are:
- Anura — frogs and toads.
- Caudata — newts and salamanders.
- And Gymnophiona — caecilians (limbless, vermiform or serpentine types).
Fun fact, while some reptiles and amphibians have similar qualities and looks, they are not intermediately related.
Current Issues
These cold-blooded vertebrates have delicate skin. Additionally, most amphibians attain the oxygen to live by absorbing it through their skin. However, this process makes them vulnerable to chemical pollution, bacteria, and fungal infections.
Furthermore, these animals are highly sensitive climate change that heightens swings of temperature and moisture levels. For instance, frogs are nocturnal animals, meaning they come out at night.
If it is hot at night, like many regions saw this past summer, they will not come out. This is because the heat will cause them to lose moisture its body needs. Unfortunately, that means the amphibian will not reproduce or find nutrients it needs to survive.
Advances in Technology
Scientists were able to gather more accurate data because of advancements in technology. Juan Manuel Guayasamin, a frog biologist at the University San Francisco of Quito, Ecuador, stated the equipment used to track climate variations and animals allowed for a more precise data gathering. Guayasamin was not part of the recent study, however, is adverse in how the information was attained.
Furthermore, the recent study discovered the amphibians deteriorating the most at this time are “salamanders and in the Neotropics.” Moreover, researchers who conducted the study stated “Disease and habitat loss drove 91% of status deteriorations between 1980 and 2004.”
Ongoing and projected climate change effects are now of increasing concern, driving 39% of status deteriorations since 2004, followed by habitat loss (37%). Although signs of species recoveries incentivize immediate conservation action, scaled-up investment is urgently needed to reverse the current trends.
That means if humans do not find a way to help reverse the fluctuation in climate change, amphibian, populations will continue to decline. While this is not a fast, easy fix, there are plenty of ways people can help out. For example, lessen their carbon footprints on the world. Like, walking instead of driving, carpool or take public transit, use less energy, recycle more, etc.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
Britannica: Amphibian
Weather: Climate Change Threatening Amphibians, The World’s Most Vulnerable Animals
Nature: Ongoing declines for the world’s amphibians in the face of emerging threats
National Geographic: Amphibians
Featured Image by Ian VanLare Courtesy of Teague O’Mara‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
First Inset Image Courtesy of Airwolfhound‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Second Inset Image Courtesy of Peter Paplanus‘ Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
