Amphibians are the most endangered group of animals on our plant and for the last 15 years, their numbers have been declining at an alarming rate.
Nearly one-third of the 6,485 species are now on the brink of extinction. Since 1979, close to 200 species have disappeared forever, victims of an amphibious assault that continues to decimate entire populations and ecosystems.
Habitat destruction, invasive species, pathogens, climate change, over-harvesting for the pet and food trade, and pollution and pesticides are all contributing factors. However, a fungus called chytrid seems to be a major cause and to date, scientists have been unable to stop it from spreading.
Amphibians are both vital predators and prey in the structure of many ecosystems. Due to their position in the middle of the food chain, their decline affects both the species that depend on them for food, and the insect populations they control.
Entire ecosystems are slowly unraveling as frog calls are replaced by silence, and the species who depend on them begin to disappear too.
In May 2008, SAVE THE FROGS! was founded by Ecologist, Dr. Kerry Kriger. Comprised of a team of international scientists, educators, policymakers, and naturalists, STF is America’s only nonprofit organization dedicated to amphibian conservation.
Their goal is to prevent extinction of the world’s frogs, toads, newts, salamanders, and caecilians through environmental education, legal defense, land acquisitions, lobbying for necessary environmental protections that currently do not exist, and conducting and funding scientific research.
You can connect with them via their website or Facebook page. Their website is a great resource of facts, photos, contests, and ways you can help. While you’re there, sign up for their free newsletter and stop by The FrogBlog for frequent updates on all things amphibious.
The 2009 50-minute PBS Documentary, Frogs: The Thin Green Line, takes a candid look at what’s being called “the greatest mass extinction since the dinosaurs.” In a web-exclusive video, filmmaker, Allison Argo discusses the making of the documentary and calls the disappearance of the worlds frogs, “probably the most important environmental story of our time.”
According to the film, “frogs may seem small and insignificant, but their bodies may hold the key to future medical miracles” particularly as it relates to pain management, the prevention of infections, and HIV treatments.
Medical miracles or no, a world without frogs will be a much smaller, sterile, and silent place.
My name is Forrest and I approved this message
“Many people ask ‘what does it matter if we lose a species?’ Only one species, Homo sapiens, has the capacity to eliminate other species on the planet. Unique among the animal world, we are accountable for our actions and future generations will hold us responsible. The question we should be asking ourselves is: “how can we justify eliminating even a single species from this planet?” -Dr. Jean-Marc Hero
This is such a no-brainer. I can not fathom why we need to say any species is important, that intricate ecosystems are at risk, why scientists need to justify how any one species is critical to our own survival. The circle of life is in constant motion, whether we are aware of it or not. When we save a species, we save every species on the planet, including us.
But we do have to put the word out, and you’ve done so with your usual eloquence and grace. Thanks, Elaine.
I knew the frogs were in trouble but didn’t know the severity of the situation until watching the documentary. No frogs in as little as 10 years? That’s truly scary
I concur fully with Sherry. It’s a no brainer we can’t continue to lose species (especially one as important as this). Very vital issue.
Wish there was a way to make the world as a whole, realize this … before it’s too late.
I’m glad you posted about this as I had no idea how in peril our amphibian friends are. I agree with Sherry – why does saving any species have to be justified? It’s heartbreaking on many levels. Thanks for sharing this.
I’m not sure Homo sapiens has learned much of great importance since the age of the dinosaurs.
Certainly not how to be in balance with mother nature..
So true … we’re not even close.
Shocking. The way we treat those who live among us is so upsetting. I think, as a group, we learn but we are selfish beyond belief. Even those of us who care can be callous when it comes to species that we don’t know anything about. But frogs? Keep sharing stories like these. Please.
Just read an article about 20,000 leatherback sea turtle hatchlings (another endangered species) crushed by bulldozers on the Caribbean island of Trinidad. The culprits were engineers. I guess we need more rocket scientists?