CORVALLIS, Ore. - Amphibians such as frogs, salamanders and newts are declining around the world.  Oregon State University zoologist Andrew Blaustein will discuss what these extinctions mean for ecosystems and for people during a talk at the Corvallis Science Pub on Monday, Feb. 11.

Amphibians are among the most threatened animals on the planet, said Blaustein, who has the title of Distinguished Professor at Oregon State. Habitat loss, climate change, disease and pollution have well-documented impacts.

"Amphibians are embedded in culture and religion and are ecologically important," he said. "They may aid humans medically and are interesting to observe for their own sake. Their loss would be devastating in so many ways."

Blaustein is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a member of the board of directors of the Amphibian Conservation Alliance. While his lab focuses on the Pacific Northwest, it has also been active in the tropics. 

The presentation will begin at 6 p.m. at the Old World Deli, 341 S.W. Second St. in Corvallis. It is free and open to the public.

Sponsors of Science Pub include Terra magazine at OSU, the Downtown Corvallis Association and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

Source: 

Andrew Blaustein, 541-737-3705

Click photos to see a full-size version. Right click and save image to download.