Articles tagged with Amphibians
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.
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...
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.
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.