The article I read was about the increasing rate of extinction of amphibians. The article stated that about half of amphibian species are on the decline, and a third are in danger of extinction. Some of the causes mentioned in the article that are harming the creatures are climate change and habitat loss. A third cause is the deadly fungus called chytridiomycosis. After researching it I found that this is caused by an aquatic fungal pathogen, and is a chytrid fungus, or an algae-like fungus found in aquatic and soil environments. Sometimes these problems overlap, particularly change and habitat destruction. One in three amphibians is an endangered species. Urbanization and farming are two contributing factors to the habitat loss. Logging in the rainforest is another factor. One of the critically endangered species mentioned is the Chinese giant salamander which can grow to be over one meter long. This is currently the largest salamander in the world. A few others mentioned were the Kihansi spray toad, Anderson’s salamander, and the Panamanian golden frog.
I think the dying off of these creatures would be a tremendous loss. The fungus is an isolated cause but environmental change and climate loss could be somewhat prevented. If the restrictions go through about the emissions of factories this could be a step in the right direction for saving these creatures. Aside from that, living responsibly in regards to the environment could also potentially help. It is a shame to see these creature become extinct, and as of now they are leading the pack of extinctions within the “animals, plants, and other species” category.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/nov/16/amphibians-terrifying-extinction-threat
2 comments:
I agree, the loss of the amphibians would be detrimental and I blame the cause on habitat loss. Though we see urbanization and farming as good, we fail to realize that we are wiping out species. Human population is increaing but at what cost? The cost of extincting animals or a cost to save the human population?
Brittany, good point. I think the destruction of the environment is also often seemingly overlooked. It is sad to see it's effect on the amphibian population.
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