Are Amphibian Declines Related to Immune Function?
Recent reports of world-wide declines and extinctions of amphibian populations have raised questions about the relationship between environmental change and the demise of certain amphibian species. If these species are being harmed by man-induced changes, amphibians may prove to be excellent indicators of ecosystem stress. But the causes of amphibian population declines have not been conclusively demonstrated. If a change in one factor, or changes in several factors, occur in the amphibian’s environment, the changes may directly or indirectly suppress function of amphibian immune systems. “This depression of immune function, coupled with the additional effects of seasonally-associated cold body temperatures, leads to increased susceptibility to disease. In turn, this susceptibility often results in death of the individual and ultimate demise of the population,” say scientists like Cynthia Carey of the University of Colorado. Carey will evaluate the role of changes thought to be causing
