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Bleak outlook for Europe's toads

by Dave Keating | September 26, 2008 at 12:46 am | 158 views | 6 comments | 5 recommendations

According to new research, more than half of all amphibians (frogs, toads and newts) living in Europe could go extinct within 40 years as a result of climate change, diseases and habitat destruction. Most of the animals that are predicted to go extinct are in the Meditteranean region, which is expected to get warmer and drier.

More than half of Europe's amphibians could be extinct by 2050, a team of UK researchers has warned.

Climate change, habitat destruction and disease were the main factors threatening the species' long-term survival, they added.

Scientists from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) said creatures in Italy and Iberia were at most risk.

A recent global assessment found that a third of all amphibians were at risk of being wiped off the face of the planet.

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sinkha63

at 03:51 on September 26th, 2008

I lived in France in a place where there is numerous sorts of amphibians (frogs, toads, tritons, salamanders) and I hope sincerely that they not it disparaitra not so much in the next years. At least, we make everything for our level to protect them they and their environment.

Photo of a toad which lives in my kitchen garden

sinkha63 has contributed a photo to this story.

Paschen

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 04:42 on September 26th, 2008

Dave Keating, I like this story. It's good stuff.

Vinny

at 05:11 on September 26th, 2008

Earlier coverage here.

Paschen

at 05:22 on September 26th, 2008

Yes, I was wondering about that and must admit I was somewhat confused and yet flagged it because I do care about the Frogs and tots. Yet it should be linked and i missed to mention it my self.

amyjudd

at 09:32 on September 26th, 2008

Duplicate staff posts have been addressed here.

shalla

at 05:54 on October 1st, 2008

Common European Toad, I believe it is a male based off of size and time of year. he came to visit my patio most wet nights during the end of August and late September 2008. As it has gotten noticeably colder I have not seen him since but will look for more when spring arrives. The toad was very sweet, and seemed to react more when i said what a lovely toad it was in french.. no reaction when i said the same thing in English...

shalla has contributed a photo to this story.