World’s Amphibians Facing Dire Threat, Study Finds
A new global assessment reveals that frogs, salamanders, newts, and other amphibians are in critical danger.
According to the study, 41% of the amphibian species analyzed by scientists are at risk of extinction, classified as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered. This figure increased from the 39% reported in the previous assessment conducted in 2004.
“Amphibians are the most threatened animals in the world,” stated Junjie Yao, a frog researcher at Duke University. “Their unique biology and permeable skin make them highly sensitive to environmental changes.”
The study, which was published in the journal Nature, determined that the expansion of farming and ranching is the primary threat to amphibians globally due to habitat loss. However, the report also revealed that a growing number of amphibian species are being pushed to the verge of extinction due to emerging diseases and climate change.
Unlike other species, amphibians face exceptional vulnerability. Their distinct life stages often necessitate separate habitats, thus being susceptible to disruptions in either aquatic or terrestrial environments, as explained by Michael Ryan, a biologist at the University of Texas.
Additionally, they are at risk due to their delicate skin. Since most amphibians breathe and absorb oxygen through their skin, their lack of scales, feathers, or fur leaves them vulnerable to chemical pollution, bacterial and fungal infections, and temperature and moisture fluctuations caused by climate change.
For instance, frogs, which are usually nocturnal, refrain from coming out even at night if the temperature is too high because excessive water loss through their skin. This behavior limits their ability to feed and reproduce, further endangering their survival.
The Northern Hemisphere experienced record-breaking heat this summer, and 2023 is projected to be the second hottest year globally, following 2016.
Juan Manuel Guayasamin, a frog biologist at the University San Francisco of Quito in Ecuador, praised the advancements in technology that enabled the new study to utilize more precise data compared to the 2004 assessment.
“We now have a much better understanding of certain risks,” said Guayasamin, who was not involved in the study.
The study identified several biodiversity hotspots like the Caribbean islands, the tropical Andes, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka as areas with the highest concentrations of threatened amphibian species. Other regions with significant numbers of endangered amphibians include Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, southern China, and the southeastern United States.
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