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ambience: grey tree frogs
For the past decade, biologists have searched for clues to help explain the sudden global decline in amphibian populations. Ozone depletion, chemical pollution, invasive species, and disease have all been implicated. But today, human destruction of suitable habitat remains the most damaging cause of amphibian decline. I’m Jim Metzner, and this is the Pulse of the Planet.
“There is no single cause. Instead, the decline of amphibians is the net result of a series of separate causes.”
Dr. James Hanken is the Curator of Herpetology at Harvard University’s Museum of Comparative Zoology. He says scientists are currently investigating a mysterious disease called Chytrid fungus which is affecting many species. Airborne pesticides have been blamed for the destruction of frog populations in Yosemite National Park . . . But by far, the greatest damage inflicted upon amphibians is the direct result of human activity.
“Perhaps the most obvious cause of decline, is habitat destruction. When you see an asphalt parking lot over what used to be a frog breeding pond, it doesn’t take a lot of thought to figure out what’s the reason why there are no frogs calling in that area. Or when a housing subdivision is put up in what used to be a nice forested area, and there are no more toads found in that area, it’s not so hard to figure out what’s going on. So habitat destruction has been and continues to be the most serious cause of amphibian declines.”
Today federal protections, and wetlands restoration programs help maintain habitat vital to the survival of frogs and salamanders. Unfortunately their numbers continue to decline.
Pulse of the Planet is presented by the National Science Foundation. I’m Jim Metzner.
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