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NSF PA/M 98-12 - May 15, 1998
Increasing Threat of Extinction for Amphibians?
Scientists to Seek Answers at NSF Workshop
Where have all the frogs, toads and salamanders gone? The world's
leading researchers on amphibian declines will debate that question,
and seek explanations for continuing downward trends of some amphibian
populations, at a workshop sponsored by the National Science
Foundation (NSF).
Loss of wetland habitat has reduced populations of frogs and toads,
and endangered several species of amphibians with restricted ranges, scientists
say. Alarming new events have added to this long-term trend, these researchers
believe. Frog and toad populations have declined dramatically in the past
several years, many in high-altitude locations in the western United States,
and in Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Panama, Columbia and Australia. Studies
suggest that the declines may be caused by infections, perhaps promoted
by environmental stressors such as synthetic organic compounds like pesticides,
metallic contaminants, acid precipitation, UV-B radiation and increased
temperatures.
These issues and some of the latest research on amphibians will be
the subject of the NSF workshop. Experts from leading institutions in
this field of biology will attempt to answer the question of whether there's
any hope of rescuing the frogs, toads and salamanders of the world before
it's too late.
What:
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Workshop on Amphibian Population Declines |
Where:
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National Science Foundation (Exhibit Center, First Floor)
4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Virginia (Ballston Metro Stop) |
When:
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Thursday, May 28, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, May 29, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
For more information contact (media only):
Cheryl Dybas, (703) 306-1070, cdybas@nsf.gov.
Note to television editors: Amphibian b-roll is available upon request.
Call Dena Headlee at 1-888-937-5249.
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