Venezuelan Frogs in Danger of Extinction Due to Climate Change

 Because of climate change, frogs and toads from Venezuela are now in great danger of going extinct.

In a report, Reuters mentioned that rising temperatures in the country cause complicated reproduction for the species, and also spread a deadly fungus, according to scientists.

The experts noted that the increase in temperature make frogs vulnerable, and makes them more prone to extinction.

"Some 60-70 percent of (amphibians) are in critical danger or almost extinct," said veterinarian Luis Merlo in the Reuters report.

It was also noted that the survival of less than 20 species of frogs and toads now depends on a group of scientists who are trying to "recreate the amphibians' natural reproductive conditions."

Under Merlo's leadership, the group hopes to boost the population of these species.

In addition, Yahoo News said that the frogs and toads in this country have been threatened over the past 20 years, quoting the book "Red Book of Venezuelan Fauna."

"There are 15 species of a small frog endemic to Venezuela's mountains that have been hit especially hard, their brilliant colors not seen for some three decades," added the same report.

The country is home to wide variety of forests and natural wonders, like the Caribbean coastline and the Andean mountains.

"They are very sensitive, dependent on the environment and beneficial to humans," explained Merlo.

According to Amphibianark, the Venezuelan Andean Reptile and Amphibian Conservation Center has dedicated its service to conserve endangered Venezuelan frog species, like the Mannophryne cordilleriana, M. collaris, M. speeri, Atelopus, Leptodactylus and Aromobates leopardalis.

The center has crafted a program which will breed the Andean endemic and endangered species so that they can be brought back into the wild in the coming years.

As per the center's website, the project started when the captured and bred Whistling Frogs living in the city of Merida.

"Urban development has wiped out most of the original vegetation cover, causing the disappearances of most of its original populations. A mating pair laid eggs in a foamy nest, from which 170 larvae were recovered and raised at the conservation center facilities," added Amphibianark.

Highlighting the importance of caring for amphibians like Venezuelan frogs, Endangered Species International said they should be conserved because of their beauty, especially with the variety of colors and their characteristics.

With the dangers faced by these frogs in Venezuela, environment groups are certainly hoping that more individuals will dedicate time in studying ways on how to prolong their existence.