Climate Crisis: Heatwaves and Droughts Ravage Amphibians, Especially in Europe
Scorching temperatures and dry spells intensify difficulties for frogs and other amphibians. - Extreme heatwaves and dry spells exacerbate the plight of amphibians.
Things are not looking peachy for our amphibian pals. Up surging temps and extended dry spells are kicking them when they're down, further endangering species already on the brink. A study by the Frankfurt crew in the "Conservation Biology" journal sheds light on this grim reality.
First off, Central Europe — specifically, pretty much all those salamanders — are facing a grim future. As true salamanders, like the zesty fire salamander, alpine salamander, and common newt, become more susceptible to droughts, things aren't looking great. According to Lisa Schulte of the Johannes Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, we're staring half of Central Europe’s true salamanders in the face as they struggle through drier periods, a struggle that's likely to get even tougher.
The researchers, led by Evan Twomey of the same university, poured over several decades of global weather data (heatwaves, cold spells, droughts) in relation to the whereabouts and endangerment status of around 7,000 amphibian species on the IUCN Red List. The researchers found that in areas with more heatwaves and droughts, amphibian survival prospects tanked after 2004.
But why, you ask? Well, it's all about the amphibian's reliance on temporary wetlands for reproduction. When these wetlands dry out too early due to droughts or temperature shifts, it renders the breeding grounds useless. No mossy pond? No amphibian babies? Not a good situation!
Over 40% of known amphibian species are currently marked as critically endangered on the Red List. Factors like climate change, habitat loss, diseases, and environmental pollution play a big role, but don't forget the weather!
So, when it comes to amphibian conservation, we've got work to do. Creating protected areas and revamping wetlands to provide optimal habitats should be top priorities. Mossy retreat sites that keep amphibians hydrated during dry spells can also be a game-changer.
Let's row together, folks. We've got a wetland to save!
- Amphibian
- Climate crisis
- Central Europe
- Heatwave
- Drought
- Frankfurt
- Salamander
- IUCN Red List
- Wetlands
- Conservation Efforts
- The climate crisis, with its heatwaves and droughts, poses a significant threat to amphibians, particularly in Central Europe, as shown in a study by researchers from Frankfurt.
- The study found that amphibian survival prospects declined after 2004 in areas with more frequent heatwaves and droughts.
- To protect amphibians, we should focus on creating protected areas, revamping wetlands for optimal habitats, and building mossy retreat sites that can help them stay hydrated during dry spells.
