The problem Hank Green addressed in this video is the rapid decline in amphibian populations in the past decade. Amphibians have survived 350 million years on this planet, adapting to many climate and other changes, however in the past two decades it is thought that up to 170 species have gone extinct. If that isn’t bad enough an estimated 1/3 of all species are threatened with extinction. There are many factors that are causing this alarming drop in population, pollution, acid rain and habit loss all account for the population decline but the main reason is the disease chytridiomycosis caused by the fungus BD. This fungus makes the skin of the amphibian thicken; which inhibits the animal’s ability to breathe take in sodium, electrolytes and other nutrients. This usually leads a nutrient deficiency that leads to cardiac arrest or starvation. While BD is the main cause of the rapid decline in amphibian population humans play a huge role in spreading this disease. The International Amphibian Trade, which transfers infected animals across the globe, is the main cause of the spread of the disease. To inhibit the spread of BD Hank encourages people to wash their boots with bleach after going to the pond to kill the fungus. He also asks people not to use amphibians as bait, and not to release amphibian pets back into the wild. While these are great tips to help prevent the spread of BD, I wonder if it is enough. I think this is a serious problem and the barrier to these solutions is that they don’t take a proactive role in eradicating the disease. I w think more care should be taken to regulate the International Amphibian Trade, I wonder if it would be possible to test each amphibian that gets traded to see if they have BD before being shipped. This would take a great amount of extra time and money but with such an alarming decline I would argue that it would be worth it.
Friday, August 16, 2013
What's Killing the World's Amphibians?
The problem Hank Green addressed in this video is the rapid decline in amphibian populations in the past decade. Amphibians have survived 350 million years on this planet, adapting to many climate and other changes, however in the past two decades it is thought that up to 170 species have gone extinct. If that isn’t bad enough an estimated 1/3 of all species are threatened with extinction. There are many factors that are causing this alarming drop in population, pollution, acid rain and habit loss all account for the population decline but the main reason is the disease chytridiomycosis caused by the fungus BD. This fungus makes the skin of the amphibian thicken; which inhibits the animal’s ability to breathe take in sodium, electrolytes and other nutrients. This usually leads a nutrient deficiency that leads to cardiac arrest or starvation. While BD is the main cause of the rapid decline in amphibian population humans play a huge role in spreading this disease. The International Amphibian Trade, which transfers infected animals across the globe, is the main cause of the spread of the disease. To inhibit the spread of BD Hank encourages people to wash their boots with bleach after going to the pond to kill the fungus. He also asks people not to use amphibians as bait, and not to release amphibian pets back into the wild. While these are great tips to help prevent the spread of BD, I wonder if it is enough. I think this is a serious problem and the barrier to these solutions is that they don’t take a proactive role in eradicating the disease. I w think more care should be taken to regulate the International Amphibian Trade, I wonder if it would be possible to test each amphibian that gets traded to see if they have BD before being shipped. This would take a great amount of extra time and money but with such an alarming decline I would argue that it would be worth it.
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It is sad that so many animals are in danger of becoming extinct. Many people only pay attention to the endangered species that they find need to be paid attention to. However, there are so many species of amphibians, fish, and other animals that are as much in danger of extinction as the panda that everyone seems so focused on.
ReplyDeleteAmphibians are an important part of our ecosystem. The rapid drop in their population is detrimental. Humans seem to play a large role in the decline of the species. Our lifestyle choices have unknowingly led to the deterioration of amphibians. Prohibiting the spread of the fungus that is killing them off is very crucial to maintain a balanced ecosystem. Green's tips will not be enough to stop the spread of BD. It seems unrealistic that people will stop using amphibians as bait or wash their boots in bleach after each trip to the pond. However, I think we can impact the decline of amphibians by reaching out to the government. If they regulate the trade of amphibians internationally it will stop the spread of disease on a larger level. Checking each amphibian before they are traded in theory seems like a great idea. I think our government lacks the time and money to follow through with it. If the government increased restrictions on deforestation it would save many amphibians form losing their habitats. To ensure the survival of several amphibians’ species, changes need to be made.
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