Title: What's in a species Name?: How wildlife management relies on modern systematics research and museum collections
* What have museum collections taught us about invasive diseases?
* When is an endangered species not a species?
* How can birds in a museum help protect airline passengers?
How many amphibian species are there in the United States?
More than 6,000 amphibian species exist worldwide, with approximately 300 of them found in the United States.
The USGS is the lead agency for the Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (ARMI), a program of amphibian monitoring, research, and conservation that was established in response to the worldwide decline of amphibian species.
Related Content
What is the United States doing about amphibian deformity and decline issues?
In response to indications of worldwide declines in amphibian populations, Interior Department agencies were directed to initiate a national program of amphibian monitoring, research, and conservation. There is an urgent need to determine the scope and severity of the problem and to investigate causes. As a result, the USGS formed the Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (ARMI). The main...
What causes deformities in frogs, toads, and other amphibians?
Malformed frogs first came to national attention in 1995. Since that time, reports of malformed frogs and other amphibians have increased dramatically. Malformations have been reported in at least 44 states and in more than 50 species of frogs and toads. Multiple limbs, missing limbs, and facial abnormalities are the main malformations seen. Frog malformations are the result of environmental...
Why are amphibian populations declining?
Research suggests that even though amphibians are severely declining worldwide, there is no smoking gun—and thus no simple solution—to halting or reversing these declines. Though every region in the United States has suffered amphibian declines, threats differ among regions. They include: Human influence from the Mississippi River east, including the metropolitan areas of the Northeast and the...
Title: What's in a species Name?: How wildlife management relies on modern systematics research and museum collections
* What have museum collections taught us about invasive diseases?
* When is an endangered species not a species?
* How can birds in a museum help protect airline passengers?
A Chinese firebelly newt (Cynops orientalis), the first salamander species found to be infected with the spring viraemia of carp virus.
A Chinese firebelly newt (Cynops orientalis), the first salamander species found to be infected with the spring viraemia of carp virus.
This green tree frog (Hyla cinerea) sits on the lip of a pitcher plant in a bog in Alabama. The frog was down in the pitcher plant, but moved up to rest on its edge as the photographer approached.
This green tree frog (Hyla cinerea) sits on the lip of a pitcher plant in a bog in Alabama. The frog was down in the pitcher plant, but moved up to rest on its edge as the photographer approached.
An invasive American bullfrog with tracking device.
An invasive American bullfrog with tracking device.
USGS technician weighing a Yosemite toad in the field.
USGS technician weighing a Yosemite toad in the field.
Frog in hiding along the Sheyenne River southeast of Maddock, North Dakota. Photograph taken during a bioassessment of the area.
Frog in hiding along the Sheyenne River southeast of Maddock, North Dakota. Photograph taken during a bioassessment of the area.
An impressive chorus of frogs recorded at 9:00 pm on July 1, 2010 at Lake Ramsey Savannah State Wildlife Management Area near Covington, LA.
An impressive chorus of frogs recorded at 9:00 pm on July 1, 2010 at Lake Ramsey Savannah State Wildlife Management Area near Covington, LA.
USGS Scientist Mark Roth listening to frog calls. Coolecting frog calls allows scientists to determine distribution of species.
USGS Scientist Mark Roth listening to frog calls. Coolecting frog calls allows scientists to determine distribution of species.
A western spadefoot toad (Spea hammondii) found near Badger Canyon, CA.
A western spadefoot toad (Spea hammondii) found near Badger Canyon, CA.
Boreal toad (Bufo boreas) mating ball, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming.
Boreal toad (Bufo boreas) mating ball, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming.
Wood frog embryos in a partly ice-covered Wisconsin wetland. Interconnected wetlands and uplands are critical elements of most North American landscapes and support our quality of life in profound ways. To provide much-needed information, the USGS is leading a growing network of U.S.
Wood frog embryos in a partly ice-covered Wisconsin wetland. Interconnected wetlands and uplands are critical elements of most North American landscapes and support our quality of life in profound ways. To provide much-needed information, the USGS is leading a growing network of U.S.
Frog in the woods in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia.
Frog in the woods in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia.
Species occurrence data for the nation
Early action to address an emerging wildlife disease
Species data: National inventory of range maps and distribution models
The state of amphibians in the United States
Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (ARMI): A successful start to a national program in the United States
Use of amphibians as indicators of ecosystem restoration success
Related Content
- FAQ
What is the United States doing about amphibian deformity and decline issues?
In response to indications of worldwide declines in amphibian populations, Interior Department agencies were directed to initiate a national program of amphibian monitoring, research, and conservation. There is an urgent need to determine the scope and severity of the problem and to investigate causes. As a result, the USGS formed the Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (ARMI). The main...
What causes deformities in frogs, toads, and other amphibians?
Malformed frogs first came to national attention in 1995. Since that time, reports of malformed frogs and other amphibians have increased dramatically. Malformations have been reported in at least 44 states and in more than 50 species of frogs and toads. Multiple limbs, missing limbs, and facial abnormalities are the main malformations seen. Frog malformations are the result of environmental...
Why are amphibian populations declining?
Research suggests that even though amphibians are severely declining worldwide, there is no smoking gun—and thus no simple solution—to halting or reversing these declines. Though every region in the United States has suffered amphibian declines, threats differ among regions. They include: Human influence from the Mississippi River east, including the metropolitan areas of the Northeast and the...
- Multimedia
2017 September Evening Public Lecture — What's in a species name?2017 September Evening Public Lecture — What's in a species name?2017 September Evening Public Lecture — What's in a species name?
Title: What's in a species Name?: How wildlife management relies on modern systematics research and museum collections
* What have museum collections taught us about invasive diseases?
* When is an endangered species not a species?
* How can birds in a museum help protect airline passengers?Title: What's in a species Name?: How wildlife management relies on modern systematics research and museum collections
* What have museum collections taught us about invasive diseases?
* When is an endangered species not a species?
* How can birds in a museum help protect airline passengers?Chinese Firebelly NewtA Chinese firebelly newt (Cynops orientalis), the first salamander species found to be infected with the spring viraemia of carp virus.
A Chinese firebelly newt (Cynops orientalis), the first salamander species found to be infected with the spring viraemia of carp virus.
Green Tree FrogThis green tree frog (Hyla cinerea) sits on the lip of a pitcher plant in a bog in Alabama. The frog was down in the pitcher plant, but moved up to rest on its edge as the photographer approached.
This green tree frog (Hyla cinerea) sits on the lip of a pitcher plant in a bog in Alabama. The frog was down in the pitcher plant, but moved up to rest on its edge as the photographer approached.
An invasive American bullfrog with tracking device.An invasive American bullfrog with tracking device.An invasive American bullfrog with tracking device.
An invasive American bullfrog with tracking device.
Weighing a ToadUSGS technician weighing a Yosemite toad in the field.
USGS technician weighing a Yosemite toad in the field.
Frog in HidingFrog in hiding along the Sheyenne River southeast of Maddock, North Dakota. Photograph taken during a bioassessment of the area.
Frog in hiding along the Sheyenne River southeast of Maddock, North Dakota. Photograph taken during a bioassessment of the area.
Evening Frog CallsAn impressive chorus of frogs recorded at 9:00 pm on July 1, 2010 at Lake Ramsey Savannah State Wildlife Management Area near Covington, LA.
An impressive chorus of frogs recorded at 9:00 pm on July 1, 2010 at Lake Ramsey Savannah State Wildlife Management Area near Covington, LA.
USGS Scientist Mark Roth listening to frog calls.USGS Scientist Mark Roth listening to frog calls. Coolecting frog calls allows scientists to determine distribution of species.
USGS Scientist Mark Roth listening to frog calls. Coolecting frog calls allows scientists to determine distribution of species.
Western Spadefoot ToadA western spadefoot toad (Spea hammondii) found near Badger Canyon, CA.
A western spadefoot toad (Spea hammondii) found near Badger Canyon, CA.
Boreal toad (Bufo boreas) mating ballBoreal toad (Bufo boreas) mating ball, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming.
Boreal toad (Bufo boreas) mating ball, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming.
Wood Frog Embryos in an Icy WetlandWood frog embryos in a partly ice-covered Wisconsin wetland. Interconnected wetlands and uplands are critical elements of most North American landscapes and support our quality of life in profound ways. To provide much-needed information, the USGS is leading a growing network of U.S.
Wood frog embryos in a partly ice-covered Wisconsin wetland. Interconnected wetlands and uplands are critical elements of most North American landscapes and support our quality of life in profound ways. To provide much-needed information, the USGS is leading a growing network of U.S.
Frog in the WoodsFrog in the woods in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia.
Frog in the woods in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia.
- Publications
Species occurrence data for the nation
USGS Biodiversity Information Serving Our Nation (BISON) is a unique, web-based Federal mapping resource for species occurrence data in the United States and its Territories.BISON’s size is unprecedented, including records for most living species found in the United States and encompassing the efforts of more than a million professional and citizen scientists. Most of BISON’s species occurrence reAuthorsEarly action to address an emerging wildlife disease
A deadly fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) that affects amphibian skin was discovered during a die-off of European fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra) in 2014. This pathogen has the potential to worsen already severe worldwide amphibian declines. Bsal is a close relative to another fungal disease known as Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Many scientists consider BdAuthorsM. J. Adams, M. Camille Harris, Daniel A. GrearSpecies data: National inventory of range maps and distribution models
The Gap Analysis Project (GAP) produces data and tools that help meet critical national challenges such as biodiversity conservation, renewable energy development, climate change adaptation, and infrastructure investment. The GAP species data includes vertebrate range maps and distribution models for the continental United States, as well as Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands. ThAuthorsKevin J. Gergely, Alexa McKerrowThe state of amphibians in the United States
More than 25 years ago, scientists began to identify unexplained declines in amphibian populations around the world. Much has been learned since then, but amphibian declines have not abated and the interactions among the various threats to amphibians are not clear. Amphibian decline is a problem of local, national, and international scope that can affect ecosystem function, biodiversity, and commeAuthorsE. Muths, M.J. Adams, E.H.C. Grant, D. Miller, P. S. Corn, L.C. BallAmphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (ARMI): A successful start to a national program in the United States
Most research to assess amphibian declines has focused on local-scale projects on one or a few species. The Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (ARMI) is a national program in the United States mandated by congressional directive and implemented by the U.S. Department of the Interior (specifically the U.S. Geological Survey, USGS). Program goals are to monitor changes in populations of amAuthorsGary M. Fellers, Erin Muths, C. Kenneth Dodd, D. Earl Green, William A. Battaglin, P. Stephen Corn, M. J. Adams, Alisa L. Gallant, Robert N. Fisher, Cecil R. Schwalbe, Larissa L. Bailey, Walter J. Sadinski, Robin E. Jung, Susan C. WallsUse of amphibians as indicators of ecosystem restoration success
No abstract available at this timeAuthorsKenneth G. Rice, Frank Mazzotti - News