Amphibian Week Shines a Light on the Importance of Wetlands for Nature and for People

Every spring, wetlands around the Great Lakes region echo with a chorus of trills, quacks and creaks from frogs looking for a mate. Close by, salamanders silently hide under logs or rocks as they also prepare for the breeding season. Shedd Aquarium Research Biologist Dr. Melissa Youngquist treks through mud, water, brush and leaves to study this significant spring ritual and track the types of amphibian species that use these habitats and how their communities change over time. This research will help inform management strategies to best protect wetlands and benefit the animals that rely on these vital freshwater environments.

This year, May 4-10 marks Amphibian Week that highlights the role of frogs and salamanders in the ecosystem. These animals rely on wetlands, critical habitats that are quickly disappearing, for laying eggs and rearing tadpoles. Youngquist is especially interested in how habitat restoration and climate change are impacting wetland ecosystems due to the critical role ponds play for amphibian survival.

When it comes time to lay their eggs, many frogs and salamanders head to ephemeral wetlands, which are temporary ponds that form after snowmelt or spring rains. These fish-free waters help ensure larvae and tadpoles have the best chance of survival. Yet, these seasonal habitats are disappearing due to climate change and human-made threats, such as overgrowth by invasive plant species. As global climate patterns continue to get more extreme, Youngquist has seen some years where specific ponds dry up early or simply never appear, which eliminates critical habitat that amphibians need to successfully reproduce and thrive.

Amphibian populations are vital to the ecosystem. These animals live both on land and in the water, so they play an important role in moving nutrients between aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Additionally, they are voracious predators for pesky insect populations and important prey for other wetland dwellers. Species like the spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer), American toad (Anaxyrus americanus) and blue-spotted salamander (Ambystoma laterale) call local ponds in forest preserves home.

“Right in our own backyards, we're witnessing the effects of climate change in Illinois,” Youngquist said. “Frogs hold a special place in my heart, but wetlands support so many other animals like turtles, ducks, herons, beavers and more. It’s our duty to speak up and protect wetlands and the animals who call it home.”

Wetlands are freshwater biodiversity hotspots and serve as essential habitats for numerous plant and animal species including amphibians, birds, fishes, insects and more. These ecosystems are also crucial for people as wetlands improve water quality, absorb excess water to control flooding, safeguard groundwater and provide spaces for recreational activities. Plus, wetlands can absorb and store large amounts of carbon, mitigating the impact of climate change.

In Illinois, only 10% of the state’s historic wetlands remain, and these critical habitats need urgent protections. Shedd Aquarium encourages Illinois residents to speak up for wetlands by asking their lawmakers to vote “Yes” and cosponsor the Wetlands Protection Act (HB 3596/SB 2401). Residents can use Shedd’s pre-written template to easily personalize and send a letter to lawmakers.

For those looking to get involved, Shedd also hosts Action Days where participants can help restore wetland habitats by removing invasive plants, like European buckthorn, and aiding native plant growth. These volunteer opportunities are an active way to make a positive change for amphibians, birds, fishes and other animals.

VISUALS: Find high-resolution photos here: https://personal.filesanywhere.com/guest/fs?v=8e706686596470bdb1a4&C=50.

Photo Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Name on folder