Ecosystems - Wildlife: Terrestrial and Endangered Resources Program
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AmphibiansMany scientific reports have documented declines in amphibian populations, highlighting the need for data on the potential causes and how their status could be improved in the United States. The unique life history of amphibians, including frogs, toads, and salamanders, makes them vulnerable to changes in the environment. Their moist permeable skin can make them vulnerable to changes in water availability and the presence of toxic substances. Many amphibians migrate between aquatic sites for breeding and terrestrial sites for foraging and over-wintering, making them susceptible to habitat changes and micro-climate variation. USGS researchers work on a wide range of amphibian topics, including general questions on amphibian status and distributions, and more specific questions such as potential effect of toxic substance, endangered species recovery, habitat restoration and management, the fate and transport of chemicals, and the diagnosis, description, and treatment of new diseases. The Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (ARMI) represents a significant portion of our amphibian research.
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