Amphibians and reptiles on endangered species docket

Posted on July 15, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

The spotted turtle is one of 53 species that may gain protection of the Endangered Species Act. Photo courtesy Mike Rubbo/New York Department of Environmental Conservation.

Protection sought for 53 species

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Saying that many amphibians and reptiles are living on the “knife edge” of extinction, conservation advocates last week petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to consider Endangered Species Act protection for 53 species of snakes, turtles, frogs and salamanders. (more…)

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Global warming: Lizards are feeling the heat

Posted on May 14, 2010 by Bob Berwyn

Caption: Species diversity has yet to be explored for many lizard groups of the world, as exemplified by this unnamed Liolaemus species from Bolivia. Many species could disappear before they are formally described. PHOTO BY IGNACIO DE LA RIVA.

Researchers use Web 2.0 tools like Google Earth to pinpoint lizard extinctions around the world


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By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — As cold-blooded creatures that are especially sensitive to temperature, the world’s lizards are feeling the heat from global warming.

Recent research by a team of international scientists shows that climate change has already resulted in the extinction of 12 percent of Mexico’s lizard populations to extinction. Looking ahead, the studies suggest that 20 percent of the world’s lizard species may go extinct by 2080.

Lizards play an important ecological role by helping to keep insect populations in check.

The findings are based on a detailed survey of lizard population in Mexico, with data collected at 200 sites showing that temperatures in those regions have changed too rapidly for the lizards to keep pace. Many lizards are already living t the edge of their thermal limits, especially at low elevation and low-latitude range limits, making them far more susceptible to climate-warming extinction than previously thought. (more…)

Filed under: biodiversity, Environment, global warming, Summit County Colorado, wildlife | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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