Frogs and toads may face severe habitat loss due to climate change, with projections indicating that up to 33.6% of their habitats could become arid by 2100. A study in *Nature* warns that increased drought conditions will exacerbate water stress, threatening amphibian populations already at risk of extinction. The research illustrates how warming temperatures and drought will adversely impact the survival and reproductive capabilities of these species, particularly in vulnerable regions worldwide.
Research indicates that climate change poses significant threats to frog and toad populations, with projections suggesting that up to 33.6% of their habitats may become arid by the end of the century. A recent study published in the journal Nature highlighted the concerning likelihood that between 15.4% and 36.1% of anuran habitats will be impacted by increasing drought conditions under two potential climate scenarios: a moderate warming scenario with a 2°C rise and a high-emission scenario projecting a 4°C increase. The 2023 Second Global Amphibian Assessment identifies amphibians as the most vulnerable class of vertebrates, with nearly 41% of species facing the risk of extinction. The study further elaborates on the negative consequences of drier conditions, predicting that water loss rates among amphibian populations will double, adversely affecting their movement, reproductive capabilities, and overall health, making them more susceptible to diseases. Under the intermediate warming condition, 6.6% of current anuran habitats could be subjected to arid conditions, which could escalate to 33.6% under severe warming. Notably, regions such as the Americas, southern Africa, Europe, and southern Australia are at significant risk, particularly areas like the Amazon and Atlantic forests. Additionally, the research employed biophysical simulations to assess water conservation strategies in various frog species, noting a decline in activity across different scenarios within tropical environments. The combined effects of increased temperature and drought severely hinder frogs’ physiological functions and thermal tolerance. When faced with extreme air temperatures, amphibians utilize evaporative water loss (EWL) to regulate their body temperature. However, this mechanism leads to dehydration and increased energy expenditure, with adverse implications for their survival and reproductive success. The study posits that stream-dwelling and semi-aquatic ecotypes are more vulnerable to desiccation stress due to their adaptations. Despite frogs’ ability to exhibit phenological plasticity, the capacity for acclimatization ultimately determines their resilience against the anticipated rise in environmental aridity. As such, the findings illustrate the prevalent and synergistic risks posed by climate-induced warming and drying conditions to anuran species.
The impact of climate change on biodiversity is increasingly revealed through studies focusing on amphibian populations, particularly frogs and toads. These species are highly sensitive to environmental changes, making them important indicators of ecological health. The 2023 Second Global Amphibian Assessment from the International Union for Conservation of Nature has raised alarms about the declining populations of amphibians, noting that they are the most endangered group of vertebrates. The evidence suggests that climate factors, such as rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns, significantly affect their habitats and survival. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing conservation strategies and mitigating the anticipated effects of global warming.
In summary, the research underscores a dire forecast for frogs and toads amidst climate change, revealing that significant portions of their habitats may become uninhabitable due to severe drought conditions by 2100. With nearly half of the amphibian species at risk of extinction, the implications of water stress are profound, affecting physiological functions and reproductive capabilities. As the study illustrates, proactive measures are essential to preserve these vital species and their ecosystems.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
