Notes from the Field: Resilience and Progress for Amphibians and Reptiles in 2024
If 2024 were a field notebook, it would be full of insightful observations, data on our progress, a couple crossed-out mishaps, and a note scratched in the margin: ‘Keep going even when times are tough–we’re onto something big.’
This year, together with you and the rest of our partners, we made remarkable strides in protecting some of the nation’s most threatened amphibians and reptiles. From high mountain bogs to coastal wetlands, our team worked tirelessly to restore habitats, headstart vulnerable species (captive raise and release them), and engage communities.
Our field journal this year includes records from our teams on the ground in PARCAs (Priority Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Areas) from Arizona to Virginia.
A Mosaic of Conservation: Protecting the Most Important Places in PARCAs
The incredible landscapes of the US are like a mosaic, each ecosystem and each species within it working together to create a rich and magnificent larger picture.
Every lost place or species changes the picture, and some have a disproportionate effect. Losing critical habitat for an Endangered species would be like removing a large, centrally located tile, completely changing the mosaic.
To ensure the integrity and beauty of the whole mosaic, Priority Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Areas (PARCAs) act as carefully chosen, vibrant tiles in the piece. Each PARCA represents a crucial piece of the bigger design, selected through a precise process of scientific analysis and local knowledge.
Amphibians and Reptiles Win When You Enter Our Free Prize Giveaway
Be a prize fighter for amphibians and reptiles, and you’ll be entered to win a prize! To enter our free Prize Giveaway sweepstakes, join the fight for these often-overlooked species by signing up for our e-newsletter, The ARC’ives, by September 30, 2024. Are you already a subscriber? You’re in!
Lessons from a Tanzanian Toad’s Extinction for the Amphibians and Reptiles of the US
In the words of Maya Angelou, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” It’s in this spirit of perseverance that we resolve to apply the critical lessons learned from the extinction of the Kihansi spray toad from the wild in Tanzania to imperiled amphibians and reptiles in the US.
Moment in the Sun: Species’ Summer Adaptations Provide Ways to Protect Them
The sun has moved to its highest position in the sky this year. We’ve experienced the day with the longest period of daylight and the shortest night of the year. All of this can only mean one thing: it’s summertime in the US.
Even Armored Species Need Protection: Conserving the Turtles of the US
“It’s hard not to instantly fall in love with bog turtles. They have such big personalities for such small turtles. I could sit there and watch one all day,” said Emilly Nolan, ARC Southern Appalachians Program Coordinator.
Unlocking Awe: How Amphibians and Reptiles Can Invoke Its Profound Benefits
What’s your physical reaction when you experience something that inspires wonder, like a beautiful species or an immense sweeping landscape?
Frog Friend or Foe: The Problematic Legacy of the American Bullfrog
The American bullfrog is an amphibious powerhouse with an equally powerful impact on the ecosystems it inhabits.
Why Shouldn’t You Be Optimistic About Protecting Endangered Wildlife?
How do you have optimism in the face of climate change, the collapse of wildlife populations, deforestation, pollution, and all
Conserving Imperiled Amphibians and Reptiles When Federal Protections Lag
A lot of us assume that when a species is in danger of extinction, it’ll be listed for protection under
The Unpredictable and Unexpected Impacts of Invasive Species
You may have noticed that, at ARC, we spend a lot of time on invasive species management. From removing invasive bullfrogs in southwestern wetlands to controlling fire ants and a multitude of plants in southeastern ecosystems, it seems like our invasives work is never-ending. In fact, it may seem pointless, and some have argued that we just need to get used to the idea that invasive species are now part of our ecosystems.
How Could an Upcoming US Supreme Court Decision Impact Amphibians and Reptiles?
When planning conservation actions for imperiled amphibians and reptiles, we not only have to consider factors like their population sizes, habitat needs, and genetics, but we also must take into account laws and regulations.
2023: Tipping Point for Amphibians and Reptiles Throughout the United States
2023 was a banner year for protecting amphibians and reptiles across the US, and thanks to our incredible community, 2024 is shaping up to be even more impactful.
Reflections of Place: The Importance of Habitat for Amphibians and Reptiles
People are deeply connected to places. We tend to attach a great deal of meaning to them; they can spark feelings of comfort, inspiration, belonging, excitement, awe. Despite the significance a location may hold for us, we are not tied to these places and can always choose to live or go elsewhere. In other words, no matter how strong our feelings, our survival isn’t directly linked to the elements that make a place special.
ARC Executive Director Receives US Fish and Wildlife Prize for Turtle Genetics Project
ARC Executive Director JJ Apodaca was recently awarded a highly competitive US Fish and Wildlife Service Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize (TRGP) in the Preventing Wildlife Poaching and Trafficking category. The TRGP program, established by Congress in 2019, aims to foster creative, cutting-edge solutions for today’s conservation challenges. Only five applicants from across the US were selected for TRGPs this year for their technology-driven wildlife and habitat protection innovations.
“It’s our honor and duty to conserve biodiversity, and genetic tools are an incredibly powerful way for us to do so,” said JJ. The work for which he was awarded the prize embodies both of these convictions. He uses innovative genetic sequencing techniques to return imperiled turtles that have been illegally poached to their home ranges in the wild.
Amphibians and reptiles give us so much. Let’s give back to them on Giving Tuesday.
Have you ever enjoyed watching a turtle amble by? How about being amazed by the frenzy of fast-moving legs as a lizard scurried across your path or being soothed by a chorus of calling frogs?
For many of us, these kinds of encounters with reptiles and amphibians are synonymous with our love of the outdoors. The beautiful and fascinating species that share the world with us provide accessible ways to connect with nature. They spark our curiosity, inspire us to feel awe, and tap into our sense of wonder.
Hope in the Face of the Latest Research on Amphibian Declines
A study released on October 4 (Luedtke et al., 2023) contains some bad news for amphibians; they are still the most threatened group of vertebrates on Earth. It’s easy to feel less than hopeful when reading Luedtke et al.’s (2023) study, which provides a global assessment of the conservation status of amphibians.
Government Shutdown Could Hamper Vital Work for Imperiled Wildlife Species
The government shutdown could be a big setback for vulnerable wildlife species in the US. Not only will the critical activities of federal natural resource agencies come to a halt, but much of the work of ARC and other partner organizations also won’t be possible. Unfortunately, some of our critically imperiled focal species can’t afford for us to miss the window to implement the efforts they need, which are often seasonal and time-sensitive.
“When National Forests, Wildlife Refuges, Parks, and other public lands are forced to close, and their employees are furloughed, it hampers our ability to carry out targeted conservation efforts for species that are already running out of time,” ARC Executive Director JJ Apodaca explained. “And timing is key for many of these efforts, such as the protection of the seasonal breeding and egg-laying sites of a federally-listed salamander.”
Get Stuck on Amphibians and Reptiles with Free Stickers
Let’s stick together for amphibians and reptiles! Sign up for our e-newsletter, The ARC’ives, between September 15 – October 3, 2023, and in appreciation, we’ll send you six awesome stickers featuring salamanders, frogs, lizards, snakes, and turtles. Use them to show your support for the conservation of these often misunderstood and overlooked species.
Stick your nose in our business and subscribe to The ARC’ives e-newsletter to receive the latest amphibian and reptile news straight to your inbox and six free stickers to your mailbox. When you sign up, you’ll connect with us and learn about beautiful and fascinating amphibians and reptiles in the US that, although are often small in size, have oversized impacts on their ecosystems. Plus, the ARC’ives will bring a regular dose of hope to your email as we tell you about the many ways we’re helping keep these incredible species around for generations to come.
Conserving Amphibians and Reptiles on Private Lands: The 2023 Farm Bill
The Farm Bill is one of the most important pieces of federal legislation affecting the conservation of amphibian and reptile species and their habitats. This far-reaching legislation sets important national food and agricultural policy through wide-ranging provisions related to everything from risk management to nutrition and rural development programs.
It is also by far the largest source of US investment in the conservation of soil, water, land, and wildlife on private lands. The 2018 Farm Bill authorized about $30 billion for conservation programs over five years. Through its voluntary, incentive-based programs, the bill enables farmers, ranchers, and foresters to protect wildlife and habitats. These programs incentivize landowners to conserve sensitive ecosystems like wetlands and grasslands, improve water and soil quality, mitigate climate change impacts, and restore habitat for imperiled species, all while improving the sustainability and economic viability of their operations.
50 Years: What the Endangered Species Act Has Meant for Amphibians and Reptiles
In December of this year, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) turns 50 years old. As this important anniversary approaches, I’m sure you will see waves of news coverage. If it’s anything like past coverage of the ESA, it will be as varied as the species the act protects. No environmental act has been more lambasted or more praised than the ESA.
In this post and beyond, I will dig into the ESA and discuss what it means for amphibian and reptile conservation. This overview will be followed by a series of posts leading up to the anniversary featuring amphibians and reptiles that have been listed as Threatened or Endangered, some that have thrived and some that continue to struggle. It is my hope that increased understanding of this vital law and the effects it has on our native biodiversity will help us better appreciate it and continue in our work together to improve it.
Combating Invasives to Give Native Species Back Their Competitive Edge
When you visit a new country, chances are you don’t want to eat at the same burger chain you have near your house, buy your souvenirs at a big box store from the US, and go to an American movie. You want to experience the cuisine, hear the language, and see the art that that particular country offers because those things reveal the fabric of a place’s history and culture.
We can use this concept to understand native ecosystems and invasive species. Just like you can find American burger chains around the world, there aren’t many ecosystems left that haven’t been impacted by invasive species. As humans have spread across the globe, we’ve taken all sorts of species with us—from house cats to flowers to reptiles—and put them where they didn’t historically occur. That has caused problems for our native species (the locals, if you will), and we are at risk of homogenizing our ecosystems and losing the icons of our natural diversity.
Increasing the Odds for Amphibians in the Face of a Long-Term Pandemic
When global challenges arise, the solutions most often involve people coming together. It’s no different for the worldwide amphibian pandemic, chytridiomycosis (pronounced kit-rid-ee-oh-my-coe-sis), which has led to dramatic amphibian declines over the last several decades. This terrible disease is caused by a chytrid (pronounced kit-rid) fungus called Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, pronounced… Nevermind, we just call it Bd for short. Bd has led to declines in frogs and salamanders worldwide, and now we face the threat of a new pathogen (called Bsal) that has caused salamander die-offs in Europe. However, together, we have the opportunity to help ensure that these vitally important and beautiful species are protected for current and future generations.
Protecting Imperiled Wildlife Requires the Right Tools: What’s in ARC’s Toolbox?
Conserving rare species—ones that, in many cases, we don’t know much about—is a constant challenge. Luckily, technology is on our side. All the time, new methods and tools emerge that help us in our work at ARC. Some seem like sci-fi. We can figure out where a species was by taking water samples. Some, like species distribution modeling, translate ecological theory into action using machine learning. Others are surprising. Sometimes, we track individual animals by waving a pole over our heads connected to a beeping electronic box. But all of them help us in our mission to protect and restore amphibian and reptile populations all over the country. Below, we’ll walk through a few of our methods from our toolbox to give a sense of how the work at ARC really gets done.
Conserving Imperiled Amphibians and Reptiles in a Changing Climate
As the climate changes, our resolve to protect vitally important wildlife remains steadfast. Climate change affects everything in the natural world, and modern conservation efforts must account for its impacts. For amphibians and reptiles, in particular, even small environmental changes can have big effects. Their internal body temperatures fluctuate with the temperature of their surroundings (called ectothermic), and therefore, their behavior and health are also affected. Most amphibians have permeable skin, making them hypersensitive to moisture changes. Many reptiles, like alligator snapping turtles, have temperature-dependent sex determination, so shifts can throw off male-female population balances. And already, these critical species are in steep decline—recent news indicates that one in five reptiles are imperiled, along with a third of amphibian species.
Let’s be clear: climatic shifts have occurred for as long as the earth has been around. But what we are seeing today is quite different than what were typically more gradual shifts in the past. The world has warmed by roughly two degrees Fahrenheit over the last century alone.
Thinking Bigger: Coordinated Place-Based Conservation in PARCAs
To conserve wildlife and wild places across the U.S., together, we must answer the call to act collectively and consider the big picture. At ARC, we think beyond individual animals and individual species. Even as we recognize and celebrate the unique importance of each flattened musk turtle in Alabama and each Chiricahua leopard frog in New Mexico, we never stop thinking about the broader ecosystem context in which these creatures exist because that holds the key to their future. Amphibians and reptiles face an incredibly diverse set of threats across the country, from habitat loss and fragmentation to disease and persecution. If we want to slow their declines, we have to prioritize the most important areas where they are found and build healthy ecosystems and populations in those places.
That’s why our conservation strategy is place-based. It rests on identifying and working in what we call Priority Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Areas, or PARCAs. We have identified hundreds of such places all over the country that stretch from the Southern Appalachians to the Southeastern coastal plains, across the heartland prairies to the deserts of the Southwest, and up to the Pacific Northwest.
Species Conservation: Opportunity, Ingenuity, and Cooperation
“I am a man in love with nature…I am a wildling, born of forests and fields and more comfortable on unpaved back roads and winding woodland paths than in any place where concrete, asphalt, and crowds prevail.”
– J. Drew Lanham, The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature
Whether you prefer nature’s solitude or are more at home in a crowd, you likely feel reassured knowing that there are places teeming with eye-catching and intriguing wildlife, like turtles, frogs, and lizards. Together, we have the opportunity to ensure that these places and species are protected for current and future generations. Have you ever wondered about the best ways to go about conserving species and how you can help? Although the answers are not always straightforward, we can harness our ingenuity and passion to implement the conservation solutions that the other species that share this planet need from us.
Black Warrior Waterdog and Flattened Musk Turtle
Meet two of Alabama’s strangest, most specialized reptiles and amphibians.
In the Black Warrior River watershed of Alabama, two rare, mysterious, and little-known species swim the waters. One, the Black Warrior waterdog, is an amphibian, and the other, the flattened musk turtle, is a reptile. Both are highly endangered, and both are tailor-made for the habitat that they share, making our work in the Bankhead Priority Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Area (PARCA) west of Birmingham a two-for-one conservation opportunity. This PARCA is positively teeming with life; Alabama is a global hotspot of aquatic biodiversity. By restoring these imperiled and highly biodiverse waterways, we can recover these two amazing species, protect countless other species, and create healthier water for the people who depend on these rivers for consumption and recreation.