“Why should we pay
any thought to the upcoming extinction of frogs and various other
amphibians, and reptiles? They are not important creatures in the
grand scheme of things after all”...That is where you are wrong.
Amphibians are actually considerable predators of insects. Without
the help of amphibians to monitor the insect population, an out of
control insect population has the ability to do severe damage to
crops. A major increase in the insect population also means a
potential higher level of insect borne
diseases such as malaria, and
encephalitis. Do I have your attention now?
In researching
Biodiversity and the subtopic of Species Biodiversity, I came across
the astonishing rising extinction of Amphibians. The rate of
extinction for amphibians ranges from 25,039 to 45,474 times the
backdrop rate. Examples of these species are animals such as frogs,
salamanders, and toads. According to my research amphibians have the
highest level of endangerment of extinction than other animal. Frogs
and toads are vanishing from the earth because of habitat loss, air
pollution, climate change, and ultraviolet light exposure is making
them susceptible to disease as well as new exotic species.Another
factor that is possibly causing many amphibians to becoming extinct
is various countries collecting frogs, as a source of food. Countries
that are known for the collection of frogs for food are, Africa,
Germany, The Netherlands, as well as France and the United States.
The number of frogs the United States has imported has been as high
as 3 million kg of frog meat per year, that is equal to to about 26
million frogs.
It will take a great
deal of effort in order to lesson the effects of these changes. This
includes, better education for the public, politicians, and lawyers'
support in the issue, and of course scientists better study possible
solutions to the problem. However, this the study of the “decline”
of amphibians is becoming more and more difficult as they are on
their way to be extinct.
You may be wondering
“Well, how can I help?” Some of the answers to that question may
surprise you. One way you can help is by slowing down while driving
at night while it is wet out. Another way is by not using pesticides.
As well as, conserving the resources you have. I know that most of us
have all heard the term “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!” but it honestly
does help. I know this may come as a disappointment to all the
exotic animal lovers out there, but one way you can help amphibians
not become extinct is by not purchasing wild-caught amphibians and
take them home as pets. Not all animals are meant to be kept as a
household pet. If you are unsure of whether or not the animal was
caught in the wild, and then sold-please be sure to do some research,
into the place where you hope to be buying the animal. The reason for
this is not only can reptiles and amphibians carry certain germs like
salmonella; which can be harmful to all humans, but especially to
young children as their immune systems are still in the developmental
stages. Certain states (at least in the U.S.) may have laws and
restrictions on owning wild-caught amphibians and reptiles. However,
this does not stop some pet stores, and street vendors from
attempting to sell them. People have also been known to try and sell
reptiles and amphibians over the internet that are not within legal
limits.
So, please be aware,
educate yourself, and make safe decisions for not only yourself, but
for your family as well. While the extinction of frogs may not seem
like much of a big deal now, it most certainly has the potential to
be...for all of us.
Here are some of the
resources used in the writing of this article:
http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/biodiversity/elements_of_biodiversity/extinction_crisis/
Photo Credit: frogworld.net
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