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Endangered Amphibian Species

Amphibians, such as frogs and salamanders, face endangerment all over the world, with many thousands now considered at risk. Because of their sensitivity to environmental changes, amphibians provide a clear gauge of environmental degradation. The decrease in population occurs in and around urban centers, in untouched forests and other land reserves. The largest cause of endangerment is loss of habitat, and other factors such as global warming and toxins also play a part.

Loss of Habitat
- Loss of habitat occurs as increased land needs for human development encroach more and more on the wilderness. Amphibians such as the western nimba toad in Africa face displacement due to habitat loss. In other places, human activity such as mining and forestry affect habitat loss.
Toxins
- Toxins, such as pesticides and industrial pollutants, often find their way through the ecosystem into sensitive water systems, such as bogs and lakes. The amphibians that live in these areas have a particular sensitivity to the toxins they encounter. Amphibians such as the Chinhai salamander in China have become endangered due to toxins in their environment. Amphibians have a sensitivity to water pollution because they need water for reproduction and they have porous skin.
Global Warming
- Global warming affects the habitats through the loss of available wetlands and other water sources. They are also threatened by the entire ecosystem climate change. Amphibians that live in warmer climates may find their habitats drying up and getting hotter, and amphibians in colder climates may have their hibernation and reproductive cycles altered by the warmer climate.
Currently At Risk
- Currently at high risk, Harlequin frogs are a type of frog with about 80 species. According to Endangered Species International, many species of Harlequin frogs have become extinct recently, and the remaining species are in immediate risk for extinction.
  
  The unique Chinese giant salamander, which can grow up to 6 feet long, is at risk due to development and toxins.
What You Can Do
- Choose to not use pesticides in your house and garden, and urge your local politicians to enact pesticide bans. Do not purchase or otherwise encourage trade in endangered amphibians. Do not remove or harass wild amphibians when you encounter them, and help amphibians by leaving shady areas around your yard.

Animals & Science