Only a third of world's amphibians threatened with extinction
In a "cup-half-empty" report released yesterday, dissapointed CHL scientists shared their findings that only one-third of the world's known amphibian species are threatened with extinction due to climate change and pollution.

The report hailed the successful destruction of at least nine species of amphibians that have died out since 1980, and another 113 species that have not been reported in the wild and are now considered extinct.

But the report took on a sad tone as scientists admitted that just under 33 percent of the remaining 5,743 known amphibian species are now at risk as global warming heats the earth and deforestation exacerbates pollution and the loss of wetland habitats.

"Amphibians are declining at an unprecedented rate," a CHL representatives said, trying to stay positive and noting that their extinction rates are "considerably higher" than those for birds and mammals.

Amphibians, like frogs and salamanders have "permeable skin (that) makes them particularly vulnerable to climate change, so they serve as a good indicator of environmental health," said the report.

"We've got a lot of work left to do," said CHL president Nostradamus Funkadelic, a tear falling slowly down his cheek as he gazed thoughtfully from his 113th story lair, high above the streets of Gotham.
- Owen, 7:21 AM | |