Weather station
© Greg Hollis
Climate change, as a result of increasing greenhouse gases, is potentially a threat to Australia's frogs. Changes in local weather conditions caused by global climate change can affect the ecology of frogs by forcing populations to alter habitat use and spawning times. These weather changes can include different rainfall patterns and temperatures. Since frogs rely on water to breed any reduction or change in rainfall could reduce frog reproduction and recruitment.
Climate change in Australia
Current research suggests that large scale climatic change contributed to the decline of several frog species in Australia. Higher temperatures associated with El Nino are believed to contribute to the drying out of breeding pools, and as a result to the deaths of tadpoles and eggs. It is also likely that increases in temperature (drier conditions) could result in higher adult mortality, due to increased rates of internal water loss through their permeable skin.
Frogs populations at risk
Increasingly, frogs that live in high-elevation streams appear to be most affected by population decline. Global warming is believed to affect home range, abundance, and breeding cycles of many of these species.
Frog survival in altered habitats will depend on their ability to relocate quickly enough to another habitat, and the availability of alternative habitats. Areas that are disturbed by urban development and agriculture will act as barriers, preventing the movement of many animals from one habitat to another.
Photo (right) © Craig Cleeland
For further information visit:
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc_tar/wg2/