The familiar ‘croaks’ of frogs and toads, before the arrival of the monsoon, may not be heard as often after 2050. Scientists say, several amphibian populations across the world are showing rapid decline, and climate change could worsen this scenario. They base these predictions on literature reviews, modelling programmes, and conclusions of current conservation projects.
These extraordinary creatures need immediate action to be taken in terms of ‘in-situ’ conservation – in their original habitat and ‘ex-situ’ consersation, which is not in the wild. Amphibians are aptly called as ‘the lifeblood of many environments’ by Sir David Attenborough, who also joins this school of thought.
Amphibians as a group are excellent ecological indicators, and will be present only in habitats with least disturbance. Increasing pollution and ozone depletion are the biggest threats to these animals, that damage their skin, eyes and eggs, but in recent years they have been plagued by several new diseases. One that has hit hard is the ‘chytrid fungus’ that is causing the decline of amphibian populations at large, especially in Europe. In Britain, the effects of climate change leading to warmer weather in winter has already disturbed the hibernation of common toads, these animals use up their extra bodily reserves and wake up weaker in spring.
According to experts, most of the amphibian habitats are going to become unsuitable. Amazing species like midwife toads and the alpine salamander, with unique life cycles that astonish biologists till today, may go extinct. In tropical rainforests around the world, more and more amphibians are still being discovered. These effects of climate change could possibly wipe out species which we haven’t even begun to understand yet.
Source: TimesOnline