Articles tagged with Amphibians
Researchers successfully eliminated a lethal chytrid fungus in a wild amphibian population using antifungal treatment and environmental disinfection. The breakthrough study, published in Biology Letters, marks the first time a fatal fungal infection has been eradicated from a wild population.
Researchers found dramatic differences in pond ecosystems depending on the ratio of males to females in mosquitofish populations. Female-dominated ponds exhibited fewer zooplankton and a greater abundance of algae.
Researchers at Benaroya Research Institute have discovered that chitin, previously thought to be absent in vertebrates, is endogenously produced in fishes and amphibians. This finding challenges longstanding biological assumptions and opens up new avenues for biomedical applications.
A study found that modern methods for predicting species distributions under climate change often leave out rare and threatened species. In Africa, over 90% of listed species are missed by popular tools, despite these species being critical to conservation efforts.
A meta-analysis of 50 studies reveals that selective logging halves mammal and amphibian species numbers at specific intensity levels. Logging companies are urged to respect biodiversity thresholds.
A new study reveals that micropredators naturally occurring in freshwater bodies can efficiently consume the infectious stages of the deadly chytrid skin fungus, reducing infection pressure on amphibian hosts. This natural behavior may provide a realistic method for preserving amphibians in Bd-infected areas.
A new study found that micropredators can efficiently consume zoospores of the deadly chytrid skin fungus, reducing infection pressure on potential hosts and potentially alleviating the impact of chytridiomycosis. This natural behavior may offer a realistic method for preservation of amphibians in Bd-infected areas.
A new study identifies 78 exceptional protected areas as 'irreplaceable' for conserving global biodiversity. These sites harbor majority of threatened species' populations, including Critically Endangered Laysan Duck and unique amphibian species.
This study uses ecological niche factor analysis to predict amphibian richness hotspots in Southern and Central China, providing insights into potential conservation strategies. The research estimates diversity over spatial quadrates incorporating climatic and geophysical information.
Researchers discovered that the giant Triassic amphibian Metoposaurus had a two-seasonal climate and needed water for its lifestyle. The species used broad, flat head and forearms to burrow under the ground during dry season, while its growth pattern revealed unique adaptations.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that up to 83% of birds, 66% of amphibians, and 70% of corals are highly vulnerable to climate change but not currently listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List. This means they may not be receiving focused conservation attention, putting their survival at risk.
A 250-million-year-old burrow in South Africa's Karoo Basin has yielded a remarkable discovery: an injured amphibian, Broomistega, and its aestivating therapsid companion, Thrinaxodon. The fossilized remains suggest that short periods of dormancy and burrowing behavior helped mammal ancestors survive the Permo-Triassic extinction event.
A study found that protected areas in Catalonia have a high number of animal deaths on the roads, with amphibians being most susceptible. Researchers suggest building tunnels for amphibians to reduce mortality rates.
A study by Penn's Daniel Janzen and colleagues reveals that four-fifths of protected forest areas have experienced declines in health, with half suffering more serious losses. The research highlights the challenges faced by conservation efforts, including human encroachment, logging, and climate change.
The study reveals that roads cause significant harm to midwife toad and palmate newt populations in Asturia, Spain. The results suggest that traffic alleviation measures can help protect the newts but are insufficient for the midwife toads.
A new study has found that sublethal concentrations of Roundup can alter the morphology of amphibian tadpoles, causing them to change shape in ways that mimic predator-induced changes. This is the first study to show a pesticide inducing morphological changes in a vertebrate animal.
Research finds areas with highest amphibian species richness are most vulnerable to threats. The study suggests multiple drivers of extinction may accelerate population declines over the next decades.
Researchers found that ground beetle larvae use a unique method to attract and feed on amphibians, tricking them into thinking they are tasty prey. This phenomenon has significant implications for understanding the environmental impact of invasive species.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that increased species richness decreases the prevalence and severity of infection caused by the deadly chytrid fungus in amphibians. This study provides evidence for the importance of biodiversity in protecting ecosystem function and reducing disease transmission.
Scientists at Oregon State University have discovered a freshwater species of zooplankton, Daphnia magna, that can eat the B. dendrobatidis fungus devastating amphibian populations worldwide. The finding offers a promising biological control method to combat this deadly disease.
At least 351 species thought to have disappeared over the past 122 years have been rediscovered, but most remain highly threatened and on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss. Researchers stress the need for rapid conservation efforts to prevent further decline.
Dr. Ray Semlitsch has been awarded the 2011 Fitch Award for Excellence in Herpetology for his groundbreaking research on amphibian ecology and wetland conservation. His studies have shown that tolerance to contaminants varies among species, and he established the importance of aquatic environments for semi-aquatic amphibians.
A team of researchers used museum specimens to document a wave of <i> Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis </i> infection spreading from southern Mexico to western Guatemala and Costa Rica. The study highlights the devastating impact of this epidemic on amphibian populations, with over 40% in decline globally.
The study confirms an extinction crisis with one-fifth of species threatened, but highlights the positive impact of global conservation efforts. Conservation actions have prevented a decline in biodiversity by nearly 20%, with 64 species improving in status and three species being re-introduced back to nature.
A new genus and species of carnivorous amphibian, Fedexia striegeli, has been discovered in western Pennsylvania with a remarkably well-preserved fossil skull. The discovery provides evidence that terrestrial vertebrates first appeared on land 300 million years ago during a period of global warming and drought.
Researchers found that environmental changes affect amphibian and bird communities rapidly, especially in mountainous regions like the Andes and Himalayas. Amphibians are more sensitive to environmental conditions due to their narrow distributions.
Fossilized body imprints of three previously unknown, foot-long salamander-like critters have been found in 330 million-year-old rocks. The imprints provide rare information about the animals' webbed feet, skin proportions and outer skin characteristics.
A new study suggests that amphibians are losing the battle against environmental change due to their inability to adapt quickly enough. With 43% of species in decline and 168 extinct, the impacts on amphibians are far more pervasive than other vertebrates.
Researchers from Harvard University found that ancient aquatic amphibians developed the ability to feed on land before transitioning to terrestrial life. Analysis of skull bones reveals that these extinct animals captured prey by biting or sucking it into their mouth, with one key species showing signs of biting behavior.
Researchers found evidence of leech-borne transmission of a fungus-like organism infecting newts' muscles, which may affect their ability to reproduce. The infection is not fatal but can impact newt populations. Human activities, such as fertilizer use in wetlands, could lead to increased leech abundance and disease spread.
Researchers find that fish and amphibian B cells exhibit strong phagocytosis in both in vivo and vitro experiments. This discovery suggests an evolutionary relationship between macrophages and B cells, with implications for understanding human immune systems.
Scientists call for a new initiative to address the growing proportion of threatened and extinct amphibian species, with 32% at risk. The alliance aims to combat diseases, habitat loss, invasive species, and other causes through research, training, and conservation efforts.
Increases in aridity could lead to contractions in the distribution of nearly all species in southwest Europe, including 62% of European amphibians and reptiles. The Iberian Peninsula's role as a refugia against extinctions during past glacial periods may be at risk with projected climate changes.
Researchers discovered that African legless amphibian B. taitanus females provide nutrition to their hatchlings via their skin for up to four weeks. This post-hatching parental care is unprecedented in amphibians and may represent an evolutionary intermediate between reproductive modes.
Researchers found high levels of selenium in contaminated toads and their offspring, leading to developmental abnormalities such as structural malformations and abnormal swimming. The study highlights the importance of maternal transfer in contaminant exposure for amphibians.
Dr. David Wake will receive the prestigious Joseph Leidy Award for his groundbreaking work in conservation biology and systematics on worldwide amphibian decline. The award recognizes his contributions to understanding the complex causes of this alarming phenomenon.
Researchers have discovered two new species of giant amphibians in Africa, which are similar to crocodiles in shape. The findings suggest that climate change over 250 million years ago had a dramatic effect on species survival and evolution.
The Ecological Society of America symposium explores ecological recovery after the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption, revealing remarkable resilience in some species and dramatic transformation of Spirit Lake. Researchers discuss the importance of chance events, life history characteristics, and timing in ecological recovery.
Researchers found that juvenile and adult amphibians retain contaminants like selenium and strontium through metamorphosis, transferring them into terrestrial food webs. The study highlights the importance of understanding contaminant transfer in aquatic-terrestrial ecosystems.
A comprehensive volume addresses key hypotheses for amphibian declines, including non-native species, UV radiation, and climate change. The study highlights the urgent need for conservation research to address this biodiversity crisis.
Researchers found that trout can spread a fungus, Saprolegnia ferax, to western toad embryos, leading to high mortality rates. Discontinuing fish-stocking may not be enough to control the spread of this disease, according to the study.
Conservation biologists leverage NASA's technology for biodiversity conservation projects. Satellite and radar images are used to identify high-biodiversity areas, track changes in ecosystems, and understand the impact of human activities on wildlife populations. These studies have implications for reserve creation and corridor managem...
The article highlights the growing crisis of reptile extinction, citing habitat loss, invasive species, and human activities as major threats. Dr. Whit Gibbons' research suggests that reptiles are in greater danger of extinction than amphibians due to similar but more severe impacts from environmental factors.
A recent study found that mosquito fish preferentially eat tadpoles over mosquito larvae, leading to the decline of various frog and newt species. This ecological disaster may be linked to the widespread introduction of these fish as a form of biological control in the early 20th century.
Researchers find mosquitofish devour tadpoles just as readily as mosquitoes, decimating native amphibian populations in streams. The study urges local governments to reconsider using mosquitofish as a control measure.