Author:Dr Akhilesh Sharma

DOI:-https://doi.org/10.64880/shikshasamvad.v3i2.1

Abstract

          Amphibians function as reliable bio-indicators of environmental health by integrating multi-stressor signals, reflecting habitat integrity, water quality, and ecosystem function through physiological, genetic, and population-level responses. Amphibians are effective bio-indicators of environmental health due to their ecology and functional traits. Bio-indicators are organisms whose responses to environmental changes reliably reflect broader ecological conditions. Sensitivity indicates how a taxon reacts to stressors, while exposure refers to the stressor’s nature, intensity, and duration. The terms effect and response describe observable changes in physiology, life-history traits, behavior, or community structure due to exposure. Amphibians are impacted by various stressors, including chemical contaminants, temperature shifts, and habitat changes, making them ideal bio-indicators. Other organisms, like fish and invertebrates, can also be studied, but amphibians effectively address a wide range of stressors with notable sensitivity.

Amphibians, among the most at-risk vertebrates, face numerous stressors, including pollution, climate change, habitat loss, and pathogens. Key chemical contaminants of concern are pesticides, heavy metals, herbicides, and pharmaceutical residues. Climatic extremes like drought and flooding have noticeable effects. Changes in hydroperiod impact breeding opportunities, while temperature influences developmental timing, affecting fitness and population viability. Habitat integrity is crucial, with land use and water quality affecting long-term sustainability. Pathogens like chytridiomycosis and ranaviruses pose growing threats. Studying amphibians can provide valuable insights into the impacts of various stressors. (Soto-Rojas et al., 2017)

Keywords: Amphibians, environmental health, bio-indicators