Crisis for the vulnerable amphibians
The world’s amphibian population is declining. It’s known as the amphibian crisis. Amphibians – frogs, toads and salamanders – are ectothermic. That means they adapt their temperature to that of their environment. Amphibians breathe partly through their skin! This makes them easily affected by such things as environmental pollutants.
The Amazon milk frog lives in the Amazon rainforest, and belongs to the group amphibians.
Photo: Ellika-Nordström-Malmö-Museums
Toads are also amphibians, like this European green toad.
Photo: Frank-Vassen-CC-BY
Salamanders are also amphibians, like this Luristan newt.
Photo: Ellika-Nordström-Malmö-Museums
Caecilians are the un-knowns of the amphibian group. They look like large earthworms or strange snakes, and live mostly in the tropics. The photo shows a caecilian guarding its eggs.
Photo: Davidvraju-CC-BY-SA
Climate change is causing the spread of diseases
There is a parasitic fungal disease that affects amphibians. Increased temperatures, brought on by climate change, has gained momentum and is now spreading all over the globe. The fungal disease has wiped out some amphibians completely, and is causing many others to decline sharply. In the Amazon, many species have been particularly severely affected. In Sweden, the European green toad, the natterjack toad, the pool frog and the European fire-bellied toad are among those affected by fungal diseases.
Fungal diseases are increasing among amphibians, in line with the climate change.
Photo: Brian-Gratwicke-CC-BY
A frog tested for fungal disease in a laboratory.
Photo: CSIRO-CC-BY
The amphibians are very sensitive to environmental toxins, such as agricultural pesticides.
Photo: Jeff-Vanuga-Public-Domain
The amphibians need water free of toxins in order to reproduce.
Photo: Lynn-Betts-Public-Domain
Modern agriculture pollutes the waters of frogs
All over the world, we humans have impacted and changed the landscape. Deforestation is one major impact, and agriculture is another. In agriculture, something called monoculture is common. Monoculture means growing only one crop at a time, on huge areas. Monocultures require intensive use of fertilisers, as well as the use of pesticides and fungicides against insects and fungi. Amphibians need unpolluted bodies of water in which to live and reproduce. Frogs and toads are also very sensitive to the release of pharmaceutical residues through wastewater.
Photo: Grillo-CC-BY-SA
Everyone can do something to help
The Nordic countries are working together to breed and release endangered amphibians, and many scientists around the world are trying to find out how we can save them. In the Nordic countries, several zoos are helping with breeding.
But you can also help to save the amphibians! Avoid touching amphibians, and never move frogs, toads or salamanders between ponds. If you visit different areas with amphibian ponds, change or wash the boots or shoes you have worn. If you see dead or visibly sick amphibians, call the National Veterinary Institute (SVA) and report it. This will help stop the spread of fungal diseases.
Keep an eye on the road when driving or cycling in areas where salamanders, frogs and toads roam. Move them off the road if you can.Get involved in an organisation that works to protect amphibians. There are many international projects to conserve amphibians, and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is one of the financial contributors to many of these projects.