Did you know that as many as half of the amphibians on the planet are threatened with extinction because of pollutants, climate changes, and even a fungus. Amphibians on all continents are at risk. The Chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) causes the appropriately named disease, chytridiomycosisis.

The disease first penetrates the permeable skin of the amphibian and begins attacking the Keratin layer (a protective layer that prevents unwanted substances from getting into the body). Wild and captive amphibians are both susceptible to the Chytrid fungus. Experts have identified at least two primary ways the related disease spreads (i.e., contact with other “carrier” amphibians and contaminated sources near or in water).

Amphibians are a key indicator species and play a role in balancing the food web from forest ecosystems to marshes. Aside from being a food source for those further up the food chain, they play a large role by consuming insects and other invertebrates that would otherwise harm sustainable croplands. Amphibians also help control pests that carry disease and can even help curb the spread of certain invasive species.

Why you will make a difference: While there is no known remedy to cure the disease, one can prevent other amphibians from getting the disease by not capturing and relocating amphibians, or capturing and placing wild amphibians in the same place that one have other amphibian pets. It is best to enjoy them where they reside rather than the thought of capture. Besides, one could injure them during capture, or worse. Experts recommend that all people treat all waste materials from captive amphibians as clinical waste. Yes, it’s that serious. In addition, disinfect the used water with 1:9 bleach/water solution and let it stand for 24 hours in a safe place before disposing of appropriately. Contact your local municipality to determine the appropriate way of disposing of these liquids.

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It wouldn’t be a stretch of the imagination to call the Polar Bear and “indicator species”. An Indicator Species is an animal or plant that acts as a kind of “canary in the coal mine”. They often reflect the health of an ecosystem based on factors including abnormal physiological changes, impacts of pollution, or even climate change. In this case, climate change is a big factor.

Polar Bears have evolved over the last 200,000 years to be masters of cold climate ice hunting. They have a layer of insulating fat that can be up to 4.5 inches thick, a multi-layered coat of transparent, pigment-free hollow fur, large footpads, etc. And, to top it off, they are big — that’s why they win the prize for the largest land predator.

Their hunting grounds are shrinking due to rapid ice melt. This influences range, birth rates, animal health, food supply, and the bear’s resilience through leaner times. One sub-population saw more than a 20% decline in their population since 1980. That’s the equivalent of 572,000 Chicago residents disappearing off the planet. That would cause some concern wouldn’t it? How would you respond if I told you that the number jumped to 1,887,000 over the next 40 years? The time to act is now. Not only for the Polar Bear, but with respect to positive change — period!

Countries with Polar Bear populations recognize the need for conservation, education, and environmental protection for the species. The US Government updated the status of the Polar Bear to “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act (May 14, 2008).

Kudos to all involved in assisting the Polar Bear, the planet, and its species.

Are you interested in learning more about how you can help? Please visit PolarBearSOS.org for more information and education on the subject.

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I keep hearing it…But, what does it mean when a species is “threatened”?

No, no…this does not mean that a predator projected ill intentions that will cause harm to its prey. It really means that a species is placed into one of three categories as part of the Threatened sub-set according to the ICUN. The catalyst is a decreasing population of that species through all, or a significant portion, of its range. There are three tiers of threatened. They are Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable. I will provide more on these definitions later.

Plants and animals on the list can change from on category to another. Animals can be “rediscovered” or one can have a surviving population deteriorate. Also, species can be “delisted” by the proper authority if sufficient data points to healthy and recovered populations. Most of the time the populations get worse. 99% of the threatened species can be linked directly to human complacency.

Read the full article here.

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