Engineering a future for amphibians under a changing climate

Abstract

Climate variation exacerbates threats to amphibians such as disease and habitat loss. Yet, by and large existing species- and land-management plans give little if any consideration to climate impacts. Moreover, many management actions that do address emerging climate patterns have yet to be evaluated for feasibility and effectiveness. To help address these needs, research ecologist Dede Olson and her colleagues compiled an array to novel management actions from around the world that aim to mitigate the effects of changing climate conditions on amphibians.

One set of approaches focuses on aiding vulnerable species to endure through weather extremes by establishing or improving refugia such as riparian buffers, ponds maintained by artificial wetting systems, logs, and other shelter microhabitats, and so forth. Another approach involves restoring riparian and wetland sites and improving connectivity between habitat 'island'. And, a third avenue of strategies entails hydrological engineering solutions for retaining amphibian-friendly water levels in ponds, streams, and lakes. To stimulate further testing and advances in effective management interventions on behalf of amphibians and to facilitate global networking among conservationists, the researchers also have launched a Website for building an online knowledge bank.

Based on science by Deanna (Dede) Olson.

Citation

Olson, Deanna H.; Parks, Noreen. 2011. Engineering a future for amphibians under a changing climate. Science Findings 136. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 6 p.