How Habitat Loss and Climate Change Threaten Amphibians—and the Inspiring Efforts by Humans to Help

HONEOYE, N.Y. — On a rainy evening in March, John Bateman puts on his boots and headlamp to check a wetland near the road. He’s out looking for spring peepers, toads, salamanders, and newts as they migrate to new habitats. Occasionally, he guides them across the road, helping these amphibians on their journey.

These small actions matter a lot. Amphibians need different environments for their life stages—sometimes wetlands and sometimes dry land. Roads often slice through these habitats, putting migrating animals in danger of being run over.

Vernal pools, which are critical for breeding amphibians, face even more threats. These temporary pools form in forests each spring as melting snow and rainwater collect at low points. They can dry up by July, making them essential for species like frogs and salamanders.

While larger wetlands can get federal protection, vernal pools do not, leaving them vulnerable. “Urban sprawl takes away forest habitats, and many vernal pools are filled in for housing developments,” explains Bateman, a professor of environmental conservation at Finger Lakes Community College.

Amphibians in the U.S. have been declining for decades. The U.S. Geological Survey notes a nearly 4% yearly drop since at least the 1960s. This trend is concerning, especially given the added impact of climate change. Rising temperatures push species northward—the Appalachian region’s rich salamander populations are particularly at risk as they reach the edges of their habitat.

Karen Lips, a biology professor at the University of Maryland, points out that a warming climate forces these cold-blooded creatures to hunt more, leading to smaller sizes among salamanders as they struggle to meet their energy needs.

In addition to researchers, grassroots efforts are underway to help amphibians thrive. Margot Fass runs A Frog House in Pittsford, New York. Recently, she mobilized around 70 volunteers to build three new vernal pools, a project inspired by Save the Frogs Day. These pools not only support amphibians but also provide water for birds and other wildlife.

Fass stresses the importance of chemical-free gardening. “One spray of pesticides can kill a frog within an hour. It’s terrible,” she says. Both Bateman and Fass believe in raising awareness about the plight of amphibians. Many people don’t realize that a third of frog species are at risk of extinction.

Organizations like the Genesee Land Trust are also working to protect these vital habitats. They recently acquired 77 acres of historical farmland in Pultneyville, New York, and restored some wetlands and vernal pools on the property.

“The wetland immediately attracted birds once we started work on it,” notes Elliotte Bowerman, the trust’s communications director.

For Bateman, catching amphibians isn’t just a fun childhood memory; it’s about preserving nature for future generations. “I fear that upcoming generations won’t have the same magical moments in nature that I experienced,” he shares.

Protecting these habitats means ensuring that children can still enjoy discovering these little creatures, nurturing a connection with nature that many cherish.

To learn more about amphibian conservation, you can visit the U.S. Geological Survey for in-depth studies on this critical issue.

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