A recent study published in Nature warns that climate change could result in severe water stress for frogs and toads, with projections indicating that up to 33.6% of their habitats may face arid conditions by 2100. The 2023 Second Global Amphibian Assessment highlights that 41% of amphibian species are at risk of extinction. Factors such as increased drought and rising temperatures threaten their movement, reproduction, and overall survival. The research emphasizes the urgent need for conservation measures to protect these species.
Recent research has revealed that amphibians, specifically frogs and toads, are at risk of facing significant water stress due to climate change. Studies indicate that by the years 2080 to 2100, up to 33.6% of their habitats may become increasingly arid. This alarming discovery, published in the esteemed journal Nature, outlines two scenarios concerning temperature increases: a moderate warming scenario of 2 degrees Celsius and a more severe high-emission scenario of 4 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The 2023 Second Global Amphibian Assessment, reported by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, emphasizes that nearly 41% of amphibian species are facing extinction threats, establishing them as the most endangered group of vertebrates. The researchers caution that existing habitats will likely witness a twofold increase in water loss rates for amphibians. Consequently, this will adversely impact their movement, reproduction, and increase susceptibility to diseases. Furthermore, the study delineates how the interplay between drought and elevated temperatures can disrupt the physiological functions essential for the survival of frogs and toads. Under the moderate warming scenario, it is projected that 6.6% of regions currently occupied by these species will experience aridity by the end of the century, escalating to 33.6% under the high-emission scenario. Predictive models indicate that between 2080 and 2100, roughly 15.4% of anuran-inhabited areas will endure more frequent and severe droughts, notably in regions such as the Americas, southern Africa, Europe, and southern Australia, with the Amazon and Atlantic forests particularly vulnerable. Additionally, the investigation explored water conservation mechanisms among ground-dwelling, arboreal, and burrowing frogs through biophysical simulations. The findings suggest that in tropical environments, frog activity diminishes across all scenarios, with warming leading to a 3.4% decrease, drought causing a 21.7% decrease, and the combination of both factors resulting in a 26% decrease. The joint effects of rising temperatures and drought conditions compromise frogs’ thermal tolerance and preferred body temperatures, aggravating issues related to dehydration and locomotive functions, thereby undermining their survival rates. Research indicates that amphibians utilize evaporative water loss (EWL) for temperature regulation even in extreme air temperatures, though this strategy simultaneously depletes their water reserves and escalates energy needs.
Climate change poses a profound threat to biodiversity, particularly for amphibians such as frogs and toads. The ongoing rise in global temperatures and the increase in drought conditions directly affect freshwater ecosystems, which are critical for amphibian survival. The urgency of addressing climate change is underscored by the alarming rate at which many amphibian species are declining, with significant habitat loss anticipated if current trends continue. The recent findings are particularly pertinent given the 2023 Second Global Amphibian Assessment that reports a substantial percentage of species are at risk of extinction, highlighting the need for conservation strategies.
In conclusion, the threat posed to frogs and toads by climate-induced habitat loss and increased drought conditions is both significant and alarming. With projections indicating that a substantial portion of their habitats may become arid by the end of the century, the combined effects of rising temperatures and decreased water availability pose a critical challenge to their survival. Effective conservation strategies and heightened awareness regarding climate change’s impacts on amphibians are essential to mitigate these risks and protect these vulnerable species.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
