les violettes

The distinct voices of frogs have always been among the most familiar of nature’s sounds. Alas, it may no longer be the case due to disappearing and declining populations. Some varieties of harlequin frogs and tree frogs are a high priority on the endangered species list due to declines of over 80% in 3 generations. From the American Association for the Advancement of Science website, findings published by Science Express in 2004 show that:

“1,856 species – 32.5 percent of the total 5,743 known species of amphibians (including frogs, toads, caecilians and salamanders) – are “globally threatened,” meaning they fall into the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List categories of vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered.

In addition, 2,468 amphibian species (43.2 percent) are in decline, 435 (7.6 percent) are in rapid decline, and up to 122 (2.1 percent) seem to have disappeared since 1980 (many of which are probably extinct).

These numbers indicate that the situation for amphibians is much worse than it is for birds or mammals.”

Why are amphibian species dying and vanishing at such an astonishing rate? Scientists believe that pathogens – and one in particular known as Chytridiomycota – are the primary cause. The good news is that researchers are currently working with a probiotic that cures the chytrid fungus. Pesticides, habitat destruction and changes in climate are also listed as culprits. Remember amphibians eat countless insects and are a connection to the worlds of land and water and therefore a leading indicator of environmental change. Frogs are very commonly used for some things not condoned here at les violettes such as delicacies (frog legs) and dissection in science classes. In fact, frogs are so common that we take them for granted. Fortunately, organizations like Amphibian Rescue, Amphibian Ark and the Tropical Research Institute are dedicated to protecting and saving frogs while there is still time.