Pacific Northwest Research Station

Title: Engineering a future for amphibians under a changing climate

Author: Olson, Deanna H.; Parks, Noreen.

Date: 2011

Source: Science Findings 136. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 6 p.

Station ID: S-FS-PNW-136

Description: Climate variation exacerbates threats to amphibians such as disease and habitat loss. Yet, by and large existing species- and land-management plans give little if any consideration to climate impacts. Moreover, many management actions that do address emerging climate patterns have yet to be evaluated for feasibility and effectiveness. To help address these needs, research ecologist Dede Olson and her colleagues compiled an array to novel management actions from around the world that aim to mitigate the effects of changing climate conditions on amphibians.

One set of approaches focuses on aiding vulnerable species to endure through weather extremes by establishing or improving refugia such as riparian buffers, ponds maintained by artificial wetting systems, logs, and other shelter microhabitats, and so forth. Another approach involves restoring riparian and wetland sites and improving connectivity between habitat 'island'. And, a third avenue of strategies entails hydrological engineering solutions for retaining amphibian-friendly water levels in ponds, streams, and lakes. To stimulate further testing and advances in effective management interventions on behalf of amphibians and to facilitate global networking among conservationists, the researchers also have launched a Website for building an online knowledge bank.

Based on science by Deanna (Dede) Olson.

Keywords: amphibians, climate change, refugia, Deanna Olson.

View and Print this Publication ()

Publication Notes: 

• We recommend that you also print this page and attach it to the printout of the article, to retain the full citation information.
• This article was written and prepared by U.S. Government employees on official time, and is therefore in the public domain.
• You may send email to pnw_pnwpubs@fs.fed.us to request a hard copy of this publication. (Please specify exactly which publication you are requesting and your mailing address.)

 Get the latest version of the Adobe Acrobat reader or Acrobat Reader for Windows with Search and Accessibility

Citation

Olson, Deanna H.; Parks, Noreen.  2011.  Engineering a future for amphibians under a changing climate.   Science Findings 136. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 6 p..