Few people realize the subtle squeaks that send them gently off to sleep on starry spring nights are frequently caused by Spring Peepers, an adorable frog whose soporific squawk renders cacophonous crickets’ vibrations vapid. Yet, as Rachel Carson alluded to in her vanguard volume Silent Spring, Mother Nature stands to lose many of her composers. Due to the effects of Global Climate Change and habitat loss, Wood Frogs, Spring Peepers, an assortment of salamanders, and other creatures may lose their homes and disappear forever.
Many of these animals have complicated breeding needs that can only be met in temporary shallow woodland ponds known as vernal pools. These pools provide an ideal habitat in which these delicate species can moisten their skin during the desiccant summer heat. Due to their ephemeral essence and inland isolation, vernal pools also provide a nursery ground for eggs and tadpoles devoid of predatory fish. The circle of life for amphibians revolves around the presence of these pools, which are diminishing in number for a multitude of reasons. Increased temperature shrivels the abundance and size of vernal pools. When climactic vicissitude violates the integrity of pools, it forces ambulatory amphibians to travel farther in their search for sanctuary, and habitat destruction due to the burgeoning human population’s endless quest for housing further reduces their options. Many salamander and frog species cannot withstand these perturbations, contributing to the general decline of the class amphibia.
Vernal pools are not only critical to the conservation of our amphibious friends, but also for the preservation of ground water and flood control. The loss of these pools impedes the ability of wetlands and wooded areas to absorb water after torrential downpours or during snowmelts. As witnessed this year, the loss of nature’s buffering system results in more frequent and severe flooding events, polluting water quality and accelerating soil erosion. Furthermore, the reduction in water absorption lowers the water tables, resulting in severe drought and habitat destruction during arid years. The consequences of these effects result in extraordinary economic loses and can be catastrophic for the agricultural community, recreational fishing and boating, and especially to drinking water.
The admittedly depressing loss of suitable habitat should not illicit lamentation, but rather urgency! Efforts to fight climate change should be strengthened, wildlife sanctuaries extended, and efforts taken to physically rebuild vernal pools by digging out areas where rainfall can pool. By implementing these changes, water quality will be maintained, economic losses from natural flooding can be mitigated, and most importantly, the health and vitality of both communities will be preserved. If we don’t, we may be facing our own silent spring sooner than you think.
Dirk Stabula and the HerpetoloG-Unit
Lafayette College
Contact Mr. Bill Sweeney for more information on how to help amphibians at Jacobsburg State Park!