Many Amphibians Threatened Worldwide
Bad Sign for Humans?
By ED STODDARD, Reuters
Getty Images
A tree frog clings to a twig.
BANGKOK (Oct. 15) - They may thrive on land and in water, but amphibians everywhere are in serious trouble and up to a third of species are threatened with extinction, a troubling new study said on Friday.
Scientists say this is an ominous sign for other creatures, including humans, as amphibians are widely regarded as biological ''canaries in the coal mine'' since their permeable skin is highly sensitive to changes in the environment.
In short, they go first and others follow.
The first comprehensive survey of a grouping that includes frogs, toads and salamanders, the Global Amphibian Assessment says that at least nine species have become extinct since 1980.
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