Amphibians, the diverse and fascinating creatures that bridge the gap between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, face an alarming crisis. According to a recent study, 41 percent of amphibian species are now threatened with extinction. I find these numbers stunning and wonder why this isn't on the front pages of the world's newspapers. These ominous data should wake policymakers up to the urgent need for global conservation efforts to protect these vital and often overlooked members of our planet's biodiversity. The Second Global Amphibian Assessment was published in Nature, which evaluated 8,011 species for the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.
Oct 5, 2023·edited Oct 5, 2023Liked by Alexander Verbeek 🌍
The Chiricahua Leopard Frog are native to mountainous areas of Az, New Mexico and Northern Mexico. Once found in more than 400 aquatic sites in the SW, this frog is now found at fewer than 80.
They are simply beautiful. Now threatened under ESA & with fungus and loss of habitat; these frogs play such a vital role in Az, controlling mosquitoes and warning about water quality. Native to the stunning Sonoita/Patagonia area of my state, I was glad to see Department of Interior award this region 3 million for a Protected Land Grant to try and keep Leopard Frogs & other endangered Az species in existence for future generations.
I am rooting for these amazing spotted green frogs with leopard colored yellow eyes! I think "The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it."
Great article, Alex. Thanks for sounding the alarm for these little creatures. I want them to stay.
Delicate balance. It seems the objective is getting back to balance. We're overdone everything. It's time to let nature be and watch her and protect her.
I knew you were going to mention that one toad even before I started reading. It's called Gelbbauchunke on German and linguistically interesting. "Unke" comes from the Middle High German words for toad and snake and it meant sth like scary and disgusting. I mention this because it shows how many people feel about amphibians. Not even possible princes hidden inside frogs could change that.
I share your fascination. We had a little pond in our backyard and I got to watch them (less endangered species) grow from tadpoles into toads. There were salamanders and newts too. We would also always grab some buckets and go collect toads and frogs on the street and carry them to safety when they were migrating (not sure if that's the right word). The key was to check which way they were facing and carrying them to that side of the street.
So yes, we need to safe amphibians. Efforts are made in my area. I see those when/where I walk. It's not enough though, I fear. We're all in this together. Creating small havens for endangered species is a start. At some point we all need to realize that healthy and happy amphibian populations mean a happy planet. We've got a long way to go.
The loss of species in our lifetimes should be a four alarm warning to everyone. A really interesting and informative article highlighting one of the critical losses with 41% of amphibians facing extinction this year.
Your article is brimming with facts unknown to me about the plight of these little creatures.
When we see the effects of extreme weather events - wildfires, droughts, deadly heat, flooding etc - I wonder about the innocent creatures who have no warning and no shelter. They are caught up in the devastation as innocent and vulnerable victims to climate change and human failure.
Thank you for another excellent article, well researched and presented for the education and awareness of your readers. And, of course, for the benefit of these essential creatures, Kermit and fellow amphibians.
These smaller creatures need all the attention and help we can give them. If they are an indicator of the larger picture, that is indeed very sad. Thank you for giving us another focus in America this day. It’s been much too tedious in the media, courts, all the places that should run smoothly but are burning down in a metaphorical way. When your home and nation are in such jeopardy, it’s difficult to find peace anywhere. Thought for these vulnerable creatures is one way. Thank you for this. Appreciate your relative safety in governance although I’ve read that the Netherlands are having some disagreements that will be worked out in a civilized way. That’s the difference I think; how leaders approach and solve problems. A long shared history helps as well and ours is short and dicey to say the least. An accurate education along the road of life might have helped but that was denied. To relearn truth in what you are taught is confounding and troublesome at the very least. Then ban books? Time for bed. Enough nonsense for one day. Must save our energy for the road ahead however long it might be for each of us. 😴😴😴
Yes, indeed so much nonsense every day of politicians fighting windmills while ignoring their tasks we elected them to perform. Sadly, their folly is not without consequences for the ordinary citizens, amphibians, or the planet.
The Chiricahua Leopard Frog are native to mountainous areas of Az, New Mexico and Northern Mexico. Once found in more than 400 aquatic sites in the SW, this frog is now found at fewer than 80.
They are simply beautiful. Now threatened under ESA & with fungus and loss of habitat; these frogs play such a vital role in Az, controlling mosquitoes and warning about water quality. Native to the stunning Sonoita/Patagonia area of my state, I was glad to see Department of Interior award this region 3 million for a Protected Land Grant to try and keep Leopard Frogs & other endangered Az species in existence for future generations.
I am rooting for these amazing spotted green frogs with leopard colored yellow eyes! I think "The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it."
Great article, Alex. Thanks for sounding the alarm for these little creatures. I want them to stay.
I just looked them up. What a beauty with sympathetic eyes 👀
Delicate balance. It seems the objective is getting back to balance. We're overdone everything. It's time to let nature be and watch her and protect her.
I wish everyone would agree with you
I knew you were going to mention that one toad even before I started reading. It's called Gelbbauchunke on German and linguistically interesting. "Unke" comes from the Middle High German words for toad and snake and it meant sth like scary and disgusting. I mention this because it shows how many people feel about amphibians. Not even possible princes hidden inside frogs could change that.
I share your fascination. We had a little pond in our backyard and I got to watch them (less endangered species) grow from tadpoles into toads. There were salamanders and newts too. We would also always grab some buckets and go collect toads and frogs on the street and carry them to safety when they were migrating (not sure if that's the right word). The key was to check which way they were facing and carrying them to that side of the street.
So yes, we need to safe amphibians. Efforts are made in my area. I see those when/where I walk. It's not enough though, I fear. We're all in this together. Creating small havens for endangered species is a start. At some point we all need to realize that healthy and happy amphibian populations mean a happy planet. We've got a long way to go.
Thank you for raising awareness.
And thank you for rescuing so many frogs
The loss of species in our lifetimes should be a four alarm warning to everyone. A really interesting and informative article highlighting one of the critical losses with 41% of amphibians facing extinction this year.
Your article is brimming with facts unknown to me about the plight of these little creatures.
When we see the effects of extreme weather events - wildfires, droughts, deadly heat, flooding etc - I wonder about the innocent creatures who have no warning and no shelter. They are caught up in the devastation as innocent and vulnerable victims to climate change and human failure.
Thank you for another excellent article, well researched and presented for the education and awareness of your readers. And, of course, for the benefit of these essential creatures, Kermit and fellow amphibians.
When these creatures go, can we be far behind.
Thanks, such sad numbers though
Our toad numbers have diminished greatly. Two this past summer season.
Sadly, it’s a worldwide trend.
These smaller creatures need all the attention and help we can give them. If they are an indicator of the larger picture, that is indeed very sad. Thank you for giving us another focus in America this day. It’s been much too tedious in the media, courts, all the places that should run smoothly but are burning down in a metaphorical way. When your home and nation are in such jeopardy, it’s difficult to find peace anywhere. Thought for these vulnerable creatures is one way. Thank you for this. Appreciate your relative safety in governance although I’ve read that the Netherlands are having some disagreements that will be worked out in a civilized way. That’s the difference I think; how leaders approach and solve problems. A long shared history helps as well and ours is short and dicey to say the least. An accurate education along the road of life might have helped but that was denied. To relearn truth in what you are taught is confounding and troublesome at the very least. Then ban books? Time for bed. Enough nonsense for one day. Must save our energy for the road ahead however long it might be for each of us. 😴😴😴
Yes, indeed so much nonsense every day of politicians fighting windmills while ignoring their tasks we elected them to perform. Sadly, their folly is not without consequences for the ordinary citizens, amphibians, or the planet.
They waste precious time we do not have. 🥲
Exactly