Amphibian Declines Research Articles

Continuous Hydrologic and Water Quality Monitoring of Vernal Ponds.

Vernal ponds, also referred to as vernal pools, provide critical ecosystem services and habitat for a variety of threatened and endangered species. However, they are vulnerable parts of the landscapes that are often poorly understood and understudied. Land use and management practices, as well as climate change are thought to be a contribution to the global amphibian decline. However, more research is needed to understand the extent of these impacts. Here, we present methodology for characterizing a vernal pond's morphology and detail a monitoring station that can be used to collect water quantity and quality data over the duration of a vernal pond's hydroperiod. We provide methodology for how to conduct field surveys to characterize the morphology and develop stage-storage curves for a vernal pond. Additionally, we provide methodology for monitoring the water level, temperature, pH, oxidation-reduction potential, dissolved oxygen, and electrical conductivity of water in a vernal pond, as well as monitoring rainfall data. This information can be used to better quantify the ecosystem services that vernal ponds provide and the impacts of anthropogenic activities on their ability to provide these services.

Comparative Early Life Stage Toxicity of the African Clawed Frog, Xenopus laevis Following Exposure to Selected Herbicide Formulations Applied to Eradicate Alien Plants in South Africa.

The rise in pesticides application has increased the need for better understanding of their ecological impacts. The global amphibian declines, for example, have been positively correlated with pesticides use. The differential susceptibility in the developmental stages of amphibians to chemical substances are still largely unknown. We examined the 96-h differential toxicity responses of embryos, premetamorphic and transitional larval stage of Xenopus laevis, to six formulated aquatic herbicide products containing the active ingredients of diquat dibromide (Midstream), glufosinate ammonium (Basta), imazapyr (Arsenal), and three glyphosate formulations (Roundup, Kilo Max, and Environ Glyphosate). The results showed the premetamorphic stage as the most sensitive to the herbicides toxicity. This study confirmed that the developmental stage at which amphibian are exposed to contaminants is critical to their survival and that the chemical contamination hypothesis of the global decline of amphibians should continue to be considered. This establishment of the premetamorphic larval as sensitive toxicity representative for all developmental stages of X. laevis means that this stage could be used more extensively in pesticides toxicity assessments.

First isolation and characterization of the pathogenic Aeromonas veronii bv. veronii associated with ulcerative syndrome in the indigenous Pelophylax ridibundus of Al-Ahsaa, Saudi Arabia

Virulent microbial pathogen infections are the main cause for amphibian decline worldwide. In the present study, a bacterial strain named RDL-2, which was isolated from the skin of infected Pelophylax ridibundus larvae, was cultured and then phenotypically and biochemically characterized using scanning electron microscopic observations and the API20E strip and Biolog Gen III MicroPlate system. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of this strain was also obtained and used in strain identification and phylogenetic analysis. Healthy P. ridibundus larvae were challenged with RDL-2 and monitored to determine clinical signs consistent with the disease. Strain RDL-2 was identified as Aeromonas veronii based on its phenotypic and biochemical characteristics and on 16S rRNA gene sequence and phylogenetic analysis: RDL-2 was gram-negative, rod-shaped, and reacted positively for 69 (73%) of the 94 traits analysed; its 16S rRNA gene sequence displayed the highest homology to that of A. veronii bv. veronii (99.9%). Koch's postulates were fulfilled confirming that A. veronii is the causal agent of ulcerative syndrome. Thus, this study is the first to report A. veronii as a marsh frog pathogen in the Al-Ahsaa region. The aetiology of A. veronii as a potential poikilothermic pathogen shown here will expedite the development of diagnostic tests and methods for eradicating ulcerative syndrome.

Historical biogeography of the palaeoendemic toad genus Oreophrynella (Amphibia: Bufonidae) sheds a new light on the origin of the Pantepui endemic terrestrial biota

AbstractAimUsing the Pantepui palaeoendemic toad genus Oreophrynella, we explored (1) the origin of Pantepui endemism and the hypothesis of Pantepui being a source of diversity for the surrounding areas, including the geologically younger Andes; (2) whether early diversification of Oreophrynella conforms with that of Stefania (Hemiphractidae), another Pantepui endemic amphibian, which was recently shown to have vicariantly diverged from Pantepui highlands widespread Oligocene ancestors.LocationThe fractured island‐like topography of the Pantepui biogeographical region in north‐eastern South America.MethodsWe inferred the molecular phylogeny of Oreophrynella and other “basal” Bufonidae genera using three mitochondrial and two nuclear DNA sequences under Bayesian and maximum likelihood methods. We estimated divergence times using a relaxed‐clock model and reconstructed ancestral areas through multiple models in a common likelihood framework.ResultsPhylogenetic analyses recovered a monophyletic Oreophrynella sister to Atelopus. Biogeographical analyses strongly suggested colonization of Pantepui via a pre‐Miocene (Eocene/Oligocene) long‐distance dispersal of a proto‐Andean ancestor, followed by pre‐Quaternary (lower Miocene) vicariant divergences of main lineages, and endemism of these main lineages to distinct biogeographical subunits.Main conclusionsOur results suggest that at least part of the Pantepui diversity stemmed from dispersals from the proto‐Andes. Three hypotheses emerge for the origin and evolution of Pantepui endemism, the Distance Dispersal theory, the Plateau theory and the Disturbance–Vicariance theory. Our results indicate that the early diversification of Oreophrynella conforms to that of Stefania, but hint at different factors responsible for the survival or extinction of different tepui summit amphibians.

A calcium channel blocker nifedipine distorts the effects of nano-zinc oxide on metal metabolism in the marsh frog Pelophylax ridibundus.

Global decline of amphibian populations causes particular concern about their vulnerability to novel environmental pollutants, including engineering nanomaterials and pharmaceutical products. We evaluated the bioavailability of nanoform of zinc oxide (n-ZnO) in frog Pelophylax ridibundus and determined whether co-exposure to a common pharmaceutical, a calcium-channel blocker nifedipine (Nfd) can affect this bioavailability. Male frogs were exposed for 14 days to the tap water (Control) and n-ZnO (3.1 μM), Zn2+ (3.1 μM, as a positive control for n-ZnO exposures), Nfd (10 μM), and combination of n-ZnO and Nfd (n-ZnO + Nfd) in environmentally-relevant concentration. Exposure to Zn2+ or n-ZnO led to up-regulation of metal-binding proteins, metallothioneins (MTs) in the liver and Zn-carrying vitellogenin-like proteins in the blood plasma. Notably, upregulation of MTs by Zn2+ or n-ZnO exposures combined with increased binding of Zn and Cu to MTs. This was associated with the more reducing conditions in the liver tissue indicated by elevated lactate to pyruvate ratio. Nfd suppressed the binding of Zn and Cu to MTs and led to a decrease in Lactate/Pyruvate ratio and elevated protein carbonylation indicating pro-oxidant conditions. Redox status parameters were not directly related to DNA fragmentation, nuclear abnormalities or suppression of cholinesterase activity indicating that factors other than oxidative stress are involved in cytotoxicity of different pollutants and their combinations. Furthermore, activity of Phase I biotransformation enzyme (CYP450 oxidase measured as EROD) was elevated in Nfd-containing exposures and in Zn2+ exposed frogs. Tyrosinase-like activity in the frog liver was strongly stimulated by Zn2+ but suppressed by n-ZnO, Nfd and n-ZnO + Nfd. These findings show that Nfd modulates homeostasis of essential metals in amphibians and emphasize that physiological consequences of combined n-ZnO and Nfd exposures are difficult to predict based on the mechanisms of single stressors.

Greater reproductive investment, but shorter lifespan, in agrosystem than in natural-habitat toads.

Global amphibian decline is due to several factors: habitat loss, anthropization, pollution, emerging diseases, and global warming. Amphibians, with complex life cycles, are particularly susceptible to habitat alterations, and their survival may be impaired in anthropized habitats. Increased mortality is a well-known consequence of anthropization. Life-history theory predicts higher reproductive investment when mortality is increased. In this work, we compared age, body size, and different indicators of reproductive investment, as well as prey availability, in natterjack toads (Epidalea calamita) from agrosystems and adjacent natural pine groves in Southwestern Spain. Mean age was lower in agrosystems than in pine groves, possibly as a consequence of increased mortality due to agrosystem environmental stressors. Remarkably, agrosystem toads were larger despite being younger, suggesting accelerated growth rate. Although we detected no differences in prey availability between habitats, artificial irrigation could shorten aestivation in agrosystems, thus increasing energy trade. Moreover, agrosystem toads exhibited increased indicators of reproductive investment. In the light of life-history theory, agrosystem toads might compensate for lesser reproductive events—due to shorter lives—with a higher reproductive investment in each attempt. Our results show that agrosystems may alter demography, which may have complex consequences on both individual fitness and population stability.

Amphibian species traits, evolutionary history and environment predict Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis infection patterns, but not extinction risk.

The fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (B. dendrobatidis) has emerged as a major agent of amphibian extinction, requiring conservation intervention for many susceptible species. Identifying susceptible species is challenging, but many aspects of species biology are predicted to influence the evolution of host resistance, tolerance, or avoidance strategies towards disease. In turn, we may expect species exhibiting these distinct strategies to differ in their ability to survive epizootic disease outbreaks. Here, we test for phylogenetic and trait‐based patterns of B. dendrobatidis infection risk and infection intensity among 302 amphibian species by compiling a global data set of B. dendrobatidis infection surveys across 95 sites. We then use best‐fit models that associate traits, taxonomy and environment with B. dendrobatidis infection risk and intensity to predict host disease mitigation strategies (tolerance, resistance, avoidance) for 122 Neotropical amphibian species that experienced epizootic B. dendrobatidis outbreaks, and noted species persistence or extinction from these events. Aspects of amphibian species life history, habitat use and climatic niche were consistently linked to variation in B. dendrobatidis infection patterns across sites around the world. However, predicted B. dendrobatidis infection risk and intensity based on site environment and species traits did not reveal a consistent pattern between the predicted host disease mitigation strategy and extinction outcome. This suggests that either tolerant or resistant species may have no advantage in ameliorating disease during epizootic events, or that other factors drive the persistence of amphibian populations during chytridiomycosis outbreaks. These results suggest that using a trait‐based approach may allow us to identify species with resistance or tolerance to endemic B. dendrobatidis infections, but that this approach may be insufficient to ultimately identify species at risk of extinction from epizootics.

Pathogenic lineage of Perkinsea associated with mass mortality of frogs across the United States

Emerging infectious diseases such as chytridiomycosis and ranavirus infections are important contributors to the worldwide decline of amphibian populations. We reviewed data on 247 anuran mortality events in 43 States of the United States from 1999–2015. Our findings suggest that a severe infectious disease of tadpoles caused by a protist belonging to the phylum Perkinsea might represent the third most common infectious disease of anurans after ranavirus infections and chytridiomycosis. Severe Perkinsea infections (SPI) were systemic and led to multiorganic failure and death. The SPI mortality events affected numerous anuran species and occurred over a broad geographic area, from boreal to subtropical habitats. Livers from all PCR-tested SPI-tadpoles (n = 19) were positive for the Novel Alveolate Group 01 (NAG01) of Perkinsea, while only 2.5% histologically normal tadpole livers tested positive (2/81), suggesting that subclinical infections are uncommon. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that SPI is associated with a phylogenetically distinct clade of NAG01 Perkinsea. These data suggest that this virulent Perkinsea clade is an important pathogen of frogs in the United States. Given its association with mortality events and tendency to be overlooked, the potential role of this emerging pathogen in amphibian declines on a broad geographic scale warrants further investigation.

Chytrid Infection Dynamics in Cricket Frogs on Military and Public Lands in the Midwestern United States

AbstractThe pathogenic chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (hereafter, Bd) is a causal agent in amphibian decline and extinction events. Sampling for Bd in the Midwestern United States has largely been opportunistic and haphazard, so little information exists on the true occurrence and prevalence of the disease. We repeatedly tested Cricket Frogs Acris blanchardi or A. crepitans at 54 wetlands in 2009 and 15 wetlands in 2011 on both public and military lands to estimate Bd occurrence and prevalence rates between different land-use types, sampling seasons (spring, summer, autumn) and sampling years. We found Bd occurred in 100% of wetlands we sampled in 2009 and 2011, and overall prevalence was 22.7% in 2009 and 40.5% in 2011. Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis prevalence in 2011 was significantly higher than in 2009 and was significantly higher during the spring season than in the summer or autumn. We also found Bd prevalence was not significantly different on military versus public-use sites and was most affected by the average 30-d maximum temperature prior to sampling. This study provides data on the occurrence and prevalence of Bd in the United States and fills an important gap in the Midwest, while also corroborating prior research findings of increased prevalence in the cooler spring season.

Major histocompatibility complex variation and the evolution of resistance to amphibian chytridiomycosis.

Chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has been implicated in population declines and species extinctions of amphibians around the world. Susceptibility to the disease varies both within and among species, most likely attributable to heritable immunogenetic variation. Analyses of transcriptional expression in hosts following their infection by Bd reveal complex responses. Species resistant to Bd generally show evidence of stronger innate and adaptive immune system responses. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II genes of some susceptible species are up-regulated following host infection by Bd, but resistant species show no comparable changes in transcriptional expression. Bd-resistant species share similar pocket conformations within the MHC-II antigen-binding groove. Among susceptible species, survivors of epizootics bear alleles encoding these conformations. Individuals with homozygous resistance alleles appear to benefit by enhanced resistance, especially in environmental conditions that promote pathogen virulence. Subjects that are repeatedly infected and subsequently cleared of Bd can develop an acquired immune response to the pathogen. Strong directional selection for MHC alleles that encode resistance to Bd may deplete genetic variation necessary to respond to other pathogens. Resistance to chytridiomycosis incurs life-history costs that require further study.

THE PHARMACOKINETICS OF TOPICAL ITRACONAZOLE IN PANAMANIAN GOLDEN FROGS (ATELOPUS ZETEKI).

Chytridiomycosis is caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and is one of the primary causes of the global decline in amphibian populations and specifically of the Panamanian golden frog ( Atelopus zeteki ). Itraconazole has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for chytridiomycosis by inhibiting cytochrome P450, a major enzyme important for the structure of B. dendrobatidis zoospores' plasma membranes. However, anecdotal reports of toxicity in this and other amphibian species have been reported at the 0.01% concentration. This study is the first to determine pharmacokinetics of 0.01% and 0.001% itraconazole in the Panamanian golden frog. Frogs were bathed 10 min, euthanized, and skin, liver, and heart were collected at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, and 36 hr. Itraconazole concentrations were measured using high performance liquid chromatography, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of itraconazole (0.032 μg/ml) for B. dendrobatidis was used to determine whether therapeutic concentrations were attained. Itraconazole was detected in all tissues at both concentrations, indicating systemic absorption. At the 0.01% itraconazole bath, itraconazole concentrations in all tissues exceeded the MIC at all time points, and the lack of decline until the end of the study at 36 hr precluded determining a disappearance half-life. With the 0.001% bath, itraconazole exceeded the MIC and declined with a disappearance half-life that markedly varied (14.1-1,244 min). This study augments the growing literature base on chytridiomycosis and seeks to aid in further experimental attempts to find the most-optimal treatment protocol for this disease.

Differential Plasticity in Response to Simulated Climate Warming in a High-Elevation Amphibian Assemblage

Abstract Climate change is expected to increase amphibian extinction rates; however, little is known about the physiological responses of amphibian populations to climate change projections for their region. For the Cascade Mountain Range of the U.S. Pacific Northwest, high-resolution climate models predict temperature increases during summer months. We evaluated phenotypic plasticity in larval growth and development in response to this projected increase in temperature in three co-occurring Anuran species: Cascades Frogs (Rana cascadae), Western Toads (Anaxyrus boreas), and Pacific Chorus Frogs (Pseudacris regilla). We exposed each species to two temperature regimes: the control treatment simulated the historical summer temperatures for the decade of 2001–11; the warmed treatment mirrored this seasonal trend but simulated a 4°C average increase in temperature. To quantify the magnitude of plasticity and any consequences to body size, we measured growth characteristics throughout larval development and me...

Ranid Herpesvirus 3 and Proliferative Dermatitis in Free-Ranging Wild Common Frogs (Rana Temporaria).

Amphibian pathogens are of current interest as contributors to the global decline of amphibians. However, compared with chytrid fungi and ranaviruses, herpesviruses have received relatively little attention. Two ranid herpesviruses have been described: namely, Ranid herpesvirus 1 (RHV1) and Ranid herpesvirus 2 (RHV2). This article describes the discovery and partial characterization of a novel virus tentatively named Ranid herpesvirus 3 (RHV3), a candidate member of the genus Batrachovirus in the family Alloherpesviridae. RHV3 infection in wild common frogs (Rana temporaria) was associated with severe multifocal epidermal hyperplasia, dermal edema, a minor inflammatory response, and variable mucous gland degeneration. Intranuclear inclusions were numerous in the affected epidermis together with unique extracellular aggregates of herpesvirus-like particles. The RHV3-associated skin disease has features similar to those of a condition recognized in European frogs for the last 20 years and whose cause has remained elusive. The genome of RHV3 shares most of the features of the Alloherpesviruses. The characterization of this presumptive pathogen may be of value for amphibian conservation and for a better understanding of the biology of Alloherpesviruses.

Impact of ammonium nitrate and sodium nitrate on tadpoles of Alytes obstetricans.

The presence of pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers negatively affect aquatic communities in general, and particularly amphibians in their larval phase, even though sensitivity to pollutants is highly variable among species. The Llobregat Delta (Barcelona, Spain) has experienced a decline of amphibian populations, possibly related to the reduction in water quality due to the high levels of farming activity, but also to habitat loss and alteration. We studied the effects of increasing ammonium nitrate and sodium nitrate levels on the survival and growth rate of Alytes obstetricans tadpoles under experimental conditions. We exposed larvae to increasing concentrations of nitrate and ammonium for 14 days and then exposed them to water without pollutants for a further 14 days. Only the higher concentrations of ammonium (>33.75 mg/L) caused larval mortality. The growth rate of larvae was reduced at ≥22.5 mg/L NH4+, although individuals recovered and even increased their growth rate once exposure to the pollutant ended. The effect of nitrate on growth rate was detected at ≥80 mg/L concentrations, and the growth rate reduction in tadpoles was even observed during the post-exposure phase. The concentrations of ammonium with adverse effects on larvae are within the range levels found in the study area, while the nitrate concentrations with some adverse effect are close to the upper range limit of current concentrations in the study area. Therefore, only the presence of ammonium in the study area is likely to be considered of concern for the population of this species, even though the presence of nitrate could cause some sublethal effects. These negative effects could have an impact on population dynamics, which in this species is highly sensitive to larval mortality due to its small clutch size and prolonged larval period compared to other anuran amphibians.

Structured decision making as a conservation tool for recovery planning of two endangered salamanders

At least one-third of all amphibian species face the threat of extinction, and current amphibian extinction rates are four orders of magnitude greater than background rates. Preventing extirpation often requires both ex situ (i.e., conservation breeding programs) and in situ strategies (i.e., protecting natural habitats). Flatwoods salamanders (Ambystoma bishopi and A. cingulatum) are protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The two species have decreased from 476 historical locations to 63 recently extant locations (86.8% loss). We suggest that recovery efforts are needed to increase populations and prevent extinction, but uncertainty regarding optimal actions in both ex situ and in situ realms hinders recovery planning. We used structured decision making (SDM) to address key uncertainties regarding both captive breeding and habitat restoration, and we developed short-, medium-, and long-term goals to achieve recovery objectives. By promoting a transparent, logical approach, SDM has proven vital to recovery plan development for flatwoods salamanders. The SDM approach has clear advantages over other previous approaches to recovery efforts, and we suggest that it should be considered for other complex decisions regarding endangered species.

Amphibian decline, pond loss and reduced population connectivity under agricultural intensification over a 38\xa0year period

Habitat loss, together with less obvious land-use changes such as intensified farming practice, can have significant adverse impacts on biodiversity. An important factor in determining the ability of species to cope with such changes is their potential to sustain a populations network by dispersal across the landscape. Habitat quality and structure are particularly important for surface-dwelling species with low dispersal abilities, such as amphibians. To assess this ecological function, ponds in a coastal and typically rural area of northern France were surveyed for amphibians in 1974, 1992 and 2011. These repeated surveys yielded different outcomes for different species groups. Three rare species persisted in more or less specialized habitat types. Two moderately common species declined, but kept strongholds in coastal dunes and associated marshes. Five common species with broad ecological niches remained equally widespread. The Northern crested newt declined markedly and the Midwife toad declined dramatically, as did their breeding habitats in vegetated ponds and cattle drinking troughs. One species, the Moor frog, may have gone locally extinct. A model of relative resistance to amphibian dispersal was created for different landscape types, on a scale from 0 (low resistance) to 1 (high resistance). This generated values of 0.23 for pasture, 0.72 for arable and 0.98 for urban and transport. As pasture declined in the study area, while arable and urban/transport infrastructure increased, amphibian dispersal became more difficult. However, dispersal paths proved difficult to evaluate in a patchy landscape like the one surveyed, due to a paucity of spatial signal. Pond loss is a more tractable reason for the observed amphibian species decline than is the quality of intervening terrestrial habitat matrix. In 2011, 22 newly created ponds had species richness in line with pre-existing ponds and this will have counteracted a dwindling metapopulation structure, indicating that habitat creation/restoration can play a valuable role in conservation. The colonization of new ponds may also prove more informative for gauging the potential for amphibian dispersal in the landscape than the preceding decline.

Captivity effects on immune response and steroid plasma levels of a Brazilian toad (Rhinella schneideri)

Stressors can increase plasma glucocorticoid (GC) levels and decrease plasma androgen levels in different species of vertebrates. GCs can have immune-enhancing or immunosuppressive effects, which are dependent upon stress duration and intensity. The worldwide decline in amphibian populations is strongly linked to an array of different stressors. The impacts of stress on GCs, androgens, and the immune response are important to clarify and should lead to the better development of conservation strategies. The present study in adult male toads of Rhinella schneideri investigated the effects of captivity (7, 30, and 60 days) on plasma corticosterone (CORT) and plasma testosterone (T), as well as innate immune responses, specifically humoral and cell mediated responses, as indicated by bacterial killing ability (BKA) and phagocytosis by peritoneal cells, respectively. Captivity increased CORT threefold and decreased T versus controls. CORT maintained a threefold elevation throughout the captivity period, while body mass and T gradually decreased with time in captivity. BKA was lower at day 30, versus days 7 and 60, while peritoneal cell phagocytic efficiency decreased after day 30, remaining low at day 60. Moreover, phagocytosis efficiency was positively associated with T and body condition, suggesting that the effects of chronic stress on reproductive potential and immune response might be associated with the state of energetic reserves.

Fidelity to Fact

Fidelity to Fact Anna Lena Phillips Bell April—every day a new flower scent to try to identify; every day warmer—and I'm thinking yet again about a perennial conundrum. Amid distraction, and amid so much information, how to hold in mind the many present threats to ecological balance? How to remember all we have lost of the beyond-human world, all we might lose? In her essay "Metamorph," Anya Groner talks about the chytrid pandemic that's devastating frog populations, and how her twin sister, a biologist, has devoted her life to studying it. "Even after Maya explained her research," she writes, it took me a long time to understand the stakes. Though amphibian decline had gotten a decent amount of press, to laypeople like me, the scientific rhetoric obscured the severity of the crisis. And with so many scary stories populating the news, a disease that didn't directly impact humans had serious competition for my attention. To keep feeling the import of so many catastrophes and potential catastrophes is challenging even if one has considerable economic and social privilege. Add health troubles, financial strain, threats to personal dignity and safety, and environmental harms—all likely to affect large numbers of people in this affluent country—and it can be even harder to keep the plight of frogs dying from chytrid, or bats dying from white-nose syndrome, or redbay trees dying from laurel wilt disease, in mind. Partly what's needed is systems awareness—the realization and re-realization that those white-nosed bats might be feeling environmental stressors that could affect people too, or people's food supplies. Partly what's needed are good explications of scientific work, in all its slow, messy complexity. (Friends in science, I hope y'all know I would apply that phrase just as readily to poetry.) And partly it's writing and art that show us the personal effects of engaging with and understanding ecological interactions—both for scientists themselves and for people trying to understand their work better. So it makes me happy to have, in Ecotone's pages, essays like "Metamorph"—work by writers who are engaging with scientific research, bringing both fascination and patience to the task of illuminating that research for our readers. Just as important as conveying the winding trails of scientific stories is bringing to the page a sense of the wonder earthly phenomena can inspire. Linda Hogan writes, in this issue's Poem in a Landscape department, about Pablo Neruda's love of stone, and about her time working in the Laboratory of Chemical Evolution at the University of Maryland, not long after the first moon voyage. A moon rock kept [End Page 5] in a glass case in the lab draws her and fascinates her, as does the work of the researchers she supports. What Hogan discovers for herself—a lifelong path of exploring the universe in poetry and fiction—she appreciates in the paths of scientists. The impulse behind both kinds of work, she suggests, may be the same—a love for Earth's places and phenomena that instills the desire to know them more fully. The danger, of course, with writing about science (not to mention doing it) is that it's so easy to get it wrong, or incomplete. How we talk about data and statistics, how many and which studies we cover, which researchers we talk to on which days of the week—all these factors affect scientific storytelling. This is part of the reason our staff diligently fact-checks the work that will appear in Ecotone. We dive deep into databases, available thanks to our university library (bless you, library, and thank you, databases). When we can't discern what's what, we find somebody who knows, and we call them. Even with hours spent on a single essay or story, we may still not get it right every time, but we can try. And we must try. At the risk of sounding alarms that have been ringing continuously this past year, telling stories well and truthfully and completely—finding, you know, facts, and presenting them in contexts that are both clear and accurate and also...

Elevation range shift after 40 years: The amphibians of Mount Gede Pangrango National Park revisited

The global decline of amphibian populations has been widely-documented, based on the results of long-term studies, but few such data are available for Asia. In Indonesia, Mount Gede Pangrango National Park is unique in this respect, because a baseline amphibian study was conducted in the area >40years ago – the first of its kind for the country. A survey of the amphibians of Mount Gede Pangrango National Park was conducted during 2004–2007, concentrating on the Cibodas Trail, first surveyed by Liem in 1961–1964. Our findings indicate that the Park still retains significant amphibian habitats, but the elevational distribution of amphibians may have shifted compared to 40years ago. One species, Leptophryne cruentata, has shown a possible shift in its distribution to lower elevations. Changes in climate may interact with the chytrid fungus and could affect the populations of several species, most notably L. cruentata. Other factors, such as increasing human recreational activities in the main habitat of L. cruentata, and the introduction of exotic species, could pose a threat to the amphibians there.

Amphibian conservation: clarifications to comments from Andreone

We appreciate the comments from Andreone (2016) regarding our proposed alternative strategy for addressing the amphibian crisis. Andreone recognizes the utility of an Incident Command System approach but doubts the feasibility of implementation at an international level. We stated in our original article, however, that ‘the feasibility of our suggestion is debatable, but our point is that radically different approaches are necessary to effectively manage the largest extinction event in modern history’ (Muths & Fisher, 2015). There are examples of where such top-down strategies are being applied; e.g. for the brown tree snake Boiga irregularis (Stanford & Rodda, 2007), and biosecurity planning for Micronesia and Hawaii (NAVFAC Pacific, 2016). Another example is presented by Andreone. In Madagascar a community-wide conservation plan has been developed complete with prioritization of specific actions (Andreone, 2016). As with any top-down strategy, challenges will surface, especially when making decisions that affect economics. We note this caveat in our article, and Andreone points out such issues in Madagascar, where there are mismatches in priorities between biodiversity conservation and civil needs. Our suggestion is that a new paradigm needs to be considered given the gravity of amphibian decline, and one option may be to take a global approach focusing on specific, major threats. Application of an Incident Command System would not necessitate competition with, or emasculation of, local conservation priorities or actions.