Frogs face life-threatening heat stress from global warming, scientists warn

Time of India

4 days ago

Source: Wikipedia
Scientists are sounding urgent warnings as rising temperatures cause frogs to overheat that is putting many species at serious risk. Frogs are highly sensitive to environmental changes and the increasing heat is making it difficult for them to survive.
Their struggle is a clear sign of the broader impact of climate change on ecosystems worldwide. If temperatures continue to rise unchecked then we could see dramatic declines in frog populations which would disrupt food chains and harm biodiversity. Experts stress that reducing global warming is essential for not only to save frogs but to protect the health of our planet and all its inhabitants.
Frogs are facing life risk due to increase of atmospheric heat
According to Discover Wildlife, a recent study how rising global temperatures have affected amphibians so far and what could happen if temperature keeps increasing.
The research revealed that more than 100 of the 5,203 amphibian species studied are already experiencing dangerous overheating events. Furthermore, if global temperatures rise by 4°C, at least 400 species will face extreme stress that will push them to their survival limits.
This estimate takes into account access to shade and water by recognizing that habitat loss, drought and disease will make it increasingly difficult for amphibians to manage heat.
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As ectotherms, amphibians rely on external sources to regulate their body temperature for warming themselves by basking in the sun or cooling off through water, shade or cool underground spaces. If they cannot lower their body temperature, they may reach their critical thermal maximum which is the point at which their bodies stop functioning properly.
Scientists warn heat threatens amphibians
Scientists determined this threshold by observing when amphibians begin to have muscle twitching or lose the ability to right themselves when turned over, both of which prevent them from escaping lethal heat.
Until now, heat tolerance has been measured in over 600 amphibian species. To expand on this, the scientists in the study developed statistical models to estimate heat tolerance for more than 5,000 species which is about 60% of all known amphibians that currently number just under 8,900.Researchers compared each species' heat tolerance with temperature data from the past decade and projected it against various future climate scenarios.
They warn that local extinctions could occur because amphibians generally cannot move to new areas, and habitat loss or rising temperatures can make their current environments uninhabitable. Patrice Pottier, a postdoctoral researcher at The Australian National University and lead author of the study, explains that 'With ongoing deforestation, habitat disruption, and droughts, amphibians are losing their ability to withstand heat.'
He adds that 'urgent efforts to protect, restore, and connect forests and wetlands are crucial to improve their survival chances.'
Environmental consequences of
frog decline
due to heat
Frogs help control insect populations, including pests and disease carriers.
Declining frog numbers can lead to insect overpopulation, disrupting ecosystems.
Frogs are a key food source for many predators like birds, snakes, and mammals.
A drop in frog populations can cause food shortages and affect predator survival.
Frogs are indicators of environmental health; their decline signals broader ecosystem problems.
Their loss often reflects issues like water pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change.
Disruption in frog populations can negatively affect ecosystem services such as clean water and soil fertility.
Overall, harming frogs threatens the balance and health of entire ecosystems.
Conservation strategies to help frogs beat the heat
Habitat protection and restoration
Preserving and restoring wetlands, forests, and shaded areas where frogs live helps provide them with cooler environments and access to water.
Creating wildlife corridors
Connecting fragmented habitats allows frogs to move to safer, cooler areas when their current homes become too hot.
Captive breeding programs
Breeding frogs in controlled environments helps maintain populations and can support reintroduction efforts in safer habitats.
Monitoring and research
Scientists track frog populations, health, and heat tolerance to better understand their needs and threats, guiding conservation efforts.
Reducing pollution and disease
Efforts to limit water pollution and combat diseases like chytrid fungus improve frogs' resilience against heat stress.
Climate action
Global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions aim to slow global warming and limit temperature rises, reducing heat stress on amphibians.
Community education and engagement
Raising awareness encourages local support for frog conservation and sustainable land use.
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