Early Warning Sign? Amphibians around the world are
vanishing—and may signal danger to our global ecosystem's
health. Why? Amphibians feel the effects of environmental
changes long before we do, partly because of their sensitive
skin and watery way of life. In fact, one-third of all known
amphibian species are threatened with extinction. The greatest
threats are pollution and climate change, but disease, habitat
destruction and fragmentation, and invasive species are also
affecting amphibians. The IUCN's Amphibian Specialist Group is
working to study, save, restore, and manage amphibians and their
habitats around the world. You Can Help Amphibians breathe
partly through their skin—taking in vital oxygen. But the
permeability that makes their skin special also makes amphibians
sensitive to pollution in the soil, air, and water. Zoom in on
the White's tree frog below to see how wet the skin is. You can
even see the pores. Leading a Double Life Amphibian means
"double life" in Greek. Many amphibians start life i