Canaries in our wetlands
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Canaries in Our Wetlands
Globally over 200 amphibian species have experienced recent population declines with reports of 32 species extinctions. The answer as to the cause of these declines is a complicated one due to the many factors involved. In this article I will set out the major causes involved in the recent declines of amphibian populations and discuss a related issue, the recent increase in the number of amphibians born with malformations.
Based on Collins and Storfer's (2003) review we can separate the causes of decline into 2 major categories, the first includes factors general to overall biodiversity such as habitat destruction, introduced species, and over exploitation. The second category is more complex because it pertains to amphibians in relatively pristine environments (Collins and Storfer, 2003). This category includes such factors as climate change, UV-B radiation, and chemical contaminants. It is important to note that amphibians are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment due to their permeable skin and unshelled eggs. Therefore sudden and accelerated declines in amphibian populations and substantial deformities among them are good indicators that something is awry in the environment.
Habitat destruction is a major cause of the amphibian decline. It eliminates local or regional ecosystems leading to the loss of the ecosystem's former biological function...