Amphibians in continued global decline

A new study led by scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey confirms the ongoing decline of amphibians around the world. While every part of the United States continues to experience a decline in amphibian populations, the major threats vary from region to region. The negative effects of pesticide use are especially pronounced east of the Colorado River, while human development and disease are driving the decline east of the Mississippi River. The latest analysis suggests amphibian populations are declining at a rate of 3.79 percent per year. That's roughly in line with previous USGS findings. Should such a decline continue, many amphibian species will become extinct across large portions of the U.S. "Losing 3 or 4 percent of amphibian populations might not sound like a big deal but small losses year in and year out quickly lead to dramatic and consequential declines," added study co-author Michael Adams, lead scientist with the USGS Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative.

Source: UPI, May 23, 2016
http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2016/05/23/Amphibians-in-continued-glob…