US Reptiles, Amphibians Need Hobbyists' Help & Federal Protection

[findiviglio]

Hi All,

Over 200 species of amphibians have become extinct in the last 30 years, a crisis looms for Asian turtles, and recent studies suggest global declines in snake and lizard populations (please see this article). Conservationists in the USA should feel somewhat optimistic about native species, because the Endangered Species Act (ESA) has prevented the extinctions of 99.9% of the species listed. But the “listing” process leaves much to be desired. Many reptiles and amphibians that are eligible for protection under the ESA languish on waiting lists…for over 30 years in the case of some, such as the Dune Sagebrush Lizard! Shockingly, at least 42 other native species became extinct during that same period!

Private reptile and amphibian keepers can also play a role in conservation. Whether through breeding, volunteering or following a career in herpetology, there is much that we can do. Please see the articles linked below (Further Reading) for detailed information.Read the rest of this article here US Reptiles, Amphibians Need Hobbyists

Please also check out my posts on Twitter http://bitly.com/JP27Nj and Facebook http://on.fb.me/KckP1m

My Bio, with photos of animals I’ve been lucky enough to work with: That Pet Place welcomes Zoologist/Herpetologist Frank Indiviglio to That Reptile Blog | That Reptile Blog

Best Regards, Frank Indiviglio

[flybyferns]

Hello Frank,
Thank You !
As always ---valuable information !
The information regarding the Western Pond Turtle is especially sad.
Lynn

[Mentat]

Thank you so much for links to article Frank; it was a surprise to me that so many species in the USA still need protection . Think amphibians need special help in the face of human encroachment and climate changes affecting the whole planet.

After reading your article, followed some of the available links and came to the NatureServe website. In there found a nice comprehensive article in PDF discussing the present status of new world amphibians: Disappearing Jewels by Young Et Al, 2004. It's a bit dated; but provides a complete background of frog conservation status. Also at NaturServe website, are links to other documents, including Global Amphibian Assessment Fact Sheets for USA and other locations. Thanks again and good luck !

[findiviglio]

Hello Frank,
Thank You !
As always ---valuable information !
The information regarding the Western Pond Turtle is especially sad.
Lynn

Thanks Lynn...yes on the turtle - from what I recall, they were as common as Eastern painteds were in much of the northeast. best, Frank

[findiviglio]

Thank you so much for links to article Frank; it was a surprise to me that so many species in the USA still need protection . Think amphibians need special help in the face of human encroachment and climate changes affecting the whole planet.

After reading your article, followed some of the available links and came to the NatureServe website. In there found a nice comprehensive article in PDF discussing the present status of new world amphibians: Disappearing Jewels by Young Et Al, 2004. It's a bit dated; but provides a complete background of frog conservation status. Also at NaturServe website, are links to other documents, including Global Amphibian Assessment Fact Sheets for USA and other locations. Thanks again and good luck !

Hi Carlos,

Thanks for the kind words and useful links...all good resources. I too remain surprised at the situation...the delays and red tape seem excessive, even for the Feds! Below are some related articles I've posted; Amphibian Ark is also useful to check out; well-organized and devoted solely to amphib conservation. Best, frank

Amphibian Declines - Pollution Worsens Disease and Parasite Attacks
Frog Leg Trade Kills Billions of Frogs Annually and Threatens Species
Amphibian News - Bacteria Offers Immunity against Deadly Chytrid Fungus
Rare But Unprotected - Red Tape Pushes 12 US Amphibians Towards Extinction