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The Scoop: Accelerated Ice Melt Threatens Life in the Arctic

PetSugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:00:35 -0700

Not only does the ice help regulate the earth's temperature, but it also sustains life by giving access to food to many Arctic creatures. Unfortunately, with the ice shelf melting at an alarming rate (about 10 percent per decade), it's having a deadly effect on the Polar Bears native to the region. Kassie Siegel, staff attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity explains:

The Arctic sea ice melt is a disaster for the polar bears. They are dependent on the Arctic sea ice for all of their essential behaviors, and as the ice melts and global warming transforms the Arctic, polar bears are starving, drowning, even resorting to cannibalism because they don't have access to their usual food sources.

But the Arctic ice melt doesn't just affect residents of the north. See how this will affect us here in the US, just read more.

Melting of the Arctic ice not only effects our temperature, but it also means a change in the weather patterns. It could mean less rain for us . . . which means lower crop production. Experts say that the Arctic could be ice free during the Summer within the next five years! Although it's debated that this climate change is a natural occurrence, I'm frightened to see what that Earth would look like without our Arctic friends so soon!

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Do You Switch Up Your Pet's Hairdo For Summer?

PetSugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 03:00:17 -0700

On the left, see a chic Maltese in full-show coat . . . while the other sports a short one to keep cool – Do you call in a groomer to change your pet's cut for climate changes or is he set in his style?

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2008 Is Year of the Frog

PetSugar — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:40:55 -0800

Happy National Zoo Day! While I am first to admit that animals should stay in their natural habitats whenever possible, oftentimes captive populations are the only hope for species that are in danger. The members of the American Zoological Association (AZA) are at the forefront of conservation efforts of endangered creatures – protecting and breeding animals in captivity helps species get back on its feet and monitors problems as well. If you're curious why they are calling 2008 the Year of the Frog, read more.

As you may have guessed, the AZA is kicking off a Year of the Frog campaign in 2008. The situation of many frogs (as well as toads, salamanders, and newts) is dire. In fact, it's estimated that at least one-third of known amphibian species are threatened with extinction according to the World Conservation Union (IUCN)! The combined effect of habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and diseases cannot be addressed solely in the wild so, with the help of their staff members, zoologists, and researchers, the member zoos and aquariums are taking their efforts to the next level and focusing on frogs in upcoming year.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has listed thirty-seven amphibian species under the Endangered Species Act and, of special note, are our four amphibians on the critically endangered list: the Mississippi gopher frog, the Chiricahua leopard frog, the Wyoming toad, and the mountain yellow-legged frog (shown above). Stay tuned for more news on PetSugar about the AZA's efforts to engage the public in amphibian conservation and about their critical work as well.

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