Wetlands Drying, Means Frogs are Dying

A gorgeous golden frog waving at another
golden frog (thesun.co.uk)

            Amphibians are truly the most biologically diverse animals. With their capabilities to absorb enzymes and breathe both air and water, it seems like there really isn’t any place an amphibian can’t survive. This however, is not the case. There are in fact places where amphibians are in trouble. All those places have one thing in common… Humans. This is the case with some of the most prevalent amphibians, frogs. While humans continue to become coastal creatures using our various forms of technology to harness the oceans resources, frogs are being forced to find another lily pad to hop to.

            A fierce example of what is happening to frogs and toads is vividly presented to us in the example of the dusky gopher frog in Mississippi. Due to the endangered species act, these frogs have been put on watch in order to monitor the populations. However, all this monitoring has done is determine that there are fewer frogs than ever recorded. It is reported by the Center for Biological Diversity that, “98 percent of long-leaf pine forests — upon which the frog depends — have been destroyed. Fire suppression, drought, pesticides, urban sprawl, highway construction and the decline of gopher tortoises have made this frog so rare it now lives in only a few small Mississippi ponds.” Luckily, further action is being planned byboth the Center for Biological Diversity and theGulf Restoration Network. The two have decided to make an, “agreement with theU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requiring the agency to develop a recovery planfor endangered dusky gopher frogs” (1). This agreement will be finished in 2015, and will hopefully be here in time to save these populations.

Tadpoles that have just been released together into a creek
(dreamstime.com)

            Toads are so similar to frogs that it is tough to tell the two apart for most people. This is because of the similar look and behavior of the two. However, this means that the same human factors that are getting rid of frogs are also killing toads. The Houston Toad is a very stunning and extreme example of this. Locals in the area said that, “the toad could once be found in several counties acrossTexas, but since has been cornered into one last refuge in Bastrop State Park”(2). Bastrop State Park is basically the last chance to save these toads. There are many causes for this. One of which is a manmade wildfire in the area. However, Ted Creacy, with Texas Parks stated that it could be natural causes, such as, “the drought leading up to the wildfire; we know it had a significant negative impact on the toads.” Not only can these toads just be preserved, but also people must increase their populations. That is what locals are doing. It was reported by Ksat.com that, “1,500 Houston Toad tadpoles into a small pond in the park, researchers believed, is a big step into keeping the species from facing extinction.” This has proved to be a significant win for toads.

Some ways to tell frogs apart from toads
(etsy.com)

            Frogs serve a unique purpose in the animal kingdom. They have the ability of showing us how their environment is doing. Specifically, they are good signals to how the biodiversity is thriving in the ecosystem. April 27^th, 2013 was dubbed save the frogs day. In her article about the holiday, Germaine Greer states that, “frogs are an infallible indicator of the health of an ecosystem” (3). For this reason alone, frogs are an important animal to keep around for the purpose of observation. The reason that they are such a good monitor for their surroundings is because they play such an important role in their environments as both food, and as a consumer. Greer goes on to say that, “Baby frogs are at the bottom of the food chain; only a small percentage will ever make it to adulthood.” This means that baby frogs are an important and vital part of the diet of the predators that eat them. Without baby frogs, the animals that eat them will die out or be forced to eat another animal. Adult frogs are important consumers in their environments as well. The Save The Frogs organization reminds us that, “adult frogs eat large quantities ofinsects, including disease vectors that can transmit fatal illnesses to humans(i.e. mosquitoes/malaria)” (4). In this role, frogs are just as important consumers as they are at being the consumed.

An example of a wetland that, at one point, was much larger and
could support frog populations. That is... before humans came.
(amphibiaweb.org)

            No matter how slimy they are, we must make sure that frogs have a stable and thriving life here on earth. They are too important to lose. Once again, we see that human development must be put in check in order to make room for other species other than humans. Frogs are not just going to jump out of the predicament we place them in. It is our job, as the developing human race, to develop a solution to the declining populations of frog species.

(1) http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2013/dusky-gopher-frog-04-30-2013.html

(2) http://www.ksat.com/news/critically-endangered-toad-receives-help/-/478452/19960516/-/1ht81f/-/index.html

(3)http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/10018103/We-need-to-fight-to-stop-frogs-extinction.html

(4) http://www.savethefrogs.com/why-frogs/

Slow and Steady Wins the Species

A sea turtle gliding through the coastal oceans (National Geographic)

They might be the some of the slowest animals, but turtles are on the move. Unfortunately, this move is off this planet. The long lifespan of sea turtles are no longer a force of livelihood for turtles now that human caused extinction is cutting their species’ lives short. Sea turtles around the globe are subject to an immense population loss in areas where the used to be primarily located. This loss of life, if continued, will lead to irreparable damage in subaquatic ecosystems around the world where species will be forced to thrive without turtles. However, this population loss CAN be recovered if we act fast. Actions are already being taken, and so far, they have proved successful.

            People are probably pretty skeptic to the role a slow and simple animal like the sea turtle can play in an environment. However, like all species, there are ripple effects and implications that coincide with turtle extinction. First, turtles play an agricultural role under the sea. The Sea Turtle Conservatory lets usknow that, “sea turtles and manatees act as grazinganimals that cut the grass short and help maintain the health of the sea grassbeds” (1). Because turtle populations are shrinking, scientists have noticed a smaller amount of these grass beds. This will lead to a shift in underwater plant life, which is vital to the fish that feed on those plants.      

Turtles going to shore to lay eggs (NPR)

            Also, turtles provide nutrients in beach areas during the egg laying process. The Sea Turtle Conservatory also backs this up by saying, Dune vegetation is able to grow and become stronger with the presence of nutrients from turtle eggs.” These nutrients help coastal life thrive. Not only are these nutrients necessary, but the eggs themselves also provide food for predators in these areas.

A turtle who has been brought to shore through stranding
 (South Carolina Dept. Natural Resources)

            There are several reasons why sea turtle populations are being threatened around the world. Several of these threats can be observed in sea turtle populations in Mexico. Fishermen in these areas end up unintentionally catching sea turtles while trying to catch local fish. This is called “stranding,” and is a major cause of decreased turtle populations. The Center for Biological Diversity reported that in Mexico, “just last summer, sea turtle strandings reached a record high when 483loggerhead sea turtles were found dead along a single, 25-mile stretch of coast— a 600 percent increase over already-alarming average rates” (2). Fishing economies depend on these methods, but will soon lose fish populations with the death of turtles.

            Action is being taken all over the world to increase turtle populations where fishing has taken them. In Mississippi, sea turtles have been taken to the Institute for Marine MammalStudies where there is a, “project to help rare sea turtles that have washedashore during strandings” (3). This particular species of turtle is the Kemp Ridley turtle, which is described by Science World Report as, “one of the most endangered of all turtle species.” At this institute, turtles can be raised in environments that protect them from the fishing that is killing the rest of their species.

Stranding Statistics of 2010 (National Wildlife Federation)

            There are many preservation efforts being taken, and they seem to be more successful as we learn more about turtles. Separate areas of preservation have been set aside I the wild where fishing is not allowed. Skepticism surrounded these types of preservation efforts until recently, studies showed that turtles were using and thriving in these areas. Kristen Hart, the lead author of the study, went on record saying, “this study not only shows managers that these designated protected areas are already being used by turtles, but provides insight into the types of habitats they use most" (4). Although this is true, much more initiative must be taken to regulate lands where turtles are preserved.

Most importantly, governmental action is being taken against these practices. The United States is one of a handful of nations whose governments have deemed Mexico unable to prevent the extinction of turtles by themselves. By this conclusion, they have drafted an international agreement called the Pelly Amendment. The Center for Biological Diversity describes this status of the agreement in today’s context. The report says, “under this treaty, Mexico, the United States and other nations have committed to reduce bycatch to “greatest extent practicable,” yet loggerhead bycatch remains substantially unregulated in Mexico.” Fortunately, governments have actually realized the severity of the situation. Hopefully, further action will be taken.

(1) http://www.conserveturtles.org/seaturtleinformation.php?page=whycareaboutseaturtles

(2) http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2013/loggerhead-sea-turtle-04-30-2013.html

(3) http://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/6513/20130429/endangered-sea-turtles-set-free-one-year-recovery.htm

(4) http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130429154216.htm

A Very Chilling Situation: Penguins in Peril

Penguins are in more trouble than we think (courtesty of IGN and 50 First Dates)

Penguins don’t ever seem to cause trouble as they waddle across icy lands such as Antarctica. One might even think penguins are OVER-populating the frozen continent. This however, is a grave misconception. Different species of penguins are experiencing population drops all over the world. Penguins primarily inhabit areas in the southern hemisphere. Areas within the southern hemisphere, such as South Africa and Chile, are all seeing penguin populations dwindle from what they once were because of human influence. However, some of the reasons for this decline in population are incredibly similar, and can have parallel remedies.

            There are an abundance of threats that face penguins that inhabit the southern hemisphere. Such factors can be observed in the situation facing humboldt penguins in Chile and Peru. Humboldt penguins can be distinguished form other penguins by the black bands that surround their chests. Environmentalists have identified these penguins as “vulnerable” in Chile and “endangered” in Peru.

This is because of a number of reasons. First, in 1978, a bridge was built to connect the mainland of Peru to a resort island off shore. When asked about the bridge, locals pointed out that they “have seen the detrimental impact of its construction on animal and plant life.” The bridge also attracted rodent populations, which consumed eggs of the penguins. Another serious threat is noted when scientists determined, “blame also goes to the El Nino weather phenomenon and the warm water current it carries.” These weather patterns reduce the amount of fish that the penguins are accustomed to consuming. Fisherman in the area have also contributed to the hunting of birds and fish that they eat. The followingfactors have left an estimated 50,000 penguins alive between the two countries.(1)

 A humboldt penguin (National Geographic)

            It is also worth investigating the almost identical scenario facing the Adelie Penguins who migrate from Antarctica to South Africa. The South African National Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds has concluded from research that penguin populations, "had been reduced to about 10% of the estimated1.5-million that existed in 1910, and African Penguin populations have declinedby 95% since preindustrial times” (2). In a similar situation to the threat against the Peruvian penguin’s eggs, the Adelie penguin is in a dangerous egg situation. The destruction of eggs is attributed to, “guano scraping (the birds make their nests by burrowing into guano mounds) and egg collecting — banned in the 1960s — had eradicated large numbers of the African Penguin.” Also like the humboldt penguin, Adelie penguins are facing food shortages. Their primary foods, due to climate change, “changed their distribution since the mid-1990s, from the West Coast to the South Coast,” which changes the behavior and ability to survive of the penguin.

Statistics reflecting the populations of African Penguins (NPP)

       
There are different implications that penguin extinction will have on human life. The roll of penguins in their environment can generally be viewed by observing the significance of royal penguins in southern Australia. There is already a lack of biodiversity in this area because keystones species, such as whales, are dying and causing overpopulations of krill and other planktons. Penguins serve their own purpose, and help out this environmental crisis by, “making sure that thebalance is not further disturbed by consuming krill. They play another role inthe ecosystem's balance by providing a food source for whales, seals and sealions” (3)

             It is also important to realize that the forces causing penguin vulnerability also ruin the biological economy by which these countries, and our own, thrive. The lack of fish in these areas will drastically effect the populations of other wildlife in the area, leaving a smaller amount of resources for humans to use. Also, we will have to change our behavior habits regarding wildlife use in these areas if certain species are to disappear. The factors that kill these fish also directly affect separate entities of business regarding the environment and global trade. Energy Secretary Steven Chu said that these factors of populationloss could be, “the possible demise of all agriculture in the State ofCalifornia by century's end” (4). This in turn could lead to a change in where we as Americans have to live in order to conduct business and gather resources. These factors can be observed by viewing the video bellow. 

            There are a number of examples of steps that can be taken in order to prevent penguin populations fro disappearing completely. One example is the preservation of lands that are specially made for the purpose of being a sanctuary for endangered species. Francis Helps managed to do this in New Zealand after he noticed the negative effects of human development on penguin populations. John R. Platt describes Francis’ actions when he says, “Francis Helps and his wife Shireenhave converted much of their farmland into a safe haven for the rare birds”(5). His efforts proved to be extremely successful after achieving the feat of 1,304 breeding pairs, the biodiversity of these species of penguins skyrocketed. 

Another example are the actions of Penguin Foundation, who are aiming to educate the public about these penguin extinction and what they can do to stop it. This is demonstrated in their slogan, “the more we know, the more we can protect them.” They alsohave an area where people can donate. These funds are put towards thepreservation of lands for penguins and for penguins themselves. (6)

Penguins are cute, cuddly, and in trouble. In order to prevent these organisms from disappearing, humans must truly regulate the amount of development and construction that happens in certain parts of the world. In these parts of the world, the livelihood of the creatures that live there must be the priority of what occupies these lands. Hopefully, the penguin will be shown this respect.

(1) http://www.timeslive.co.za/scitech/2013/04/28/yachtsmen-rats-global-warming-threaten-chile-s-humboldt-penguins

(2) http://www.bdlive.co.za/national/science/2013/04/25/rapid-fall-in-african-penguin-population-still-not-understood

(3) http://www.ehow.com/info_8450815_significance-royal-penguins-ecosystem.html

(4) http://www.dancingstarfoundation.org/articles_Why_Penguins_Are_More_Important_Than_Ever.php

(5) http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/extinction-countdown/2013/01/30/new-zealand-farmer-save-penguin-extinction/

(6) http://penguinfoundation.org.au/index.php/