An Unseen threat to Amphibian Populations Threats to Amphibian Survival Loss of amphibians on our planet is mainly due to the destruction of habitat.
Pollution is a less visible and potentially insidious threat to amphibian survival.
Nitrate is an example of a pollutant which now occurs in many watercourses around the world at concentrations which can kill amphibians. Nitrate is a natural compound present in all ecosystems. It is one of the chemicals essential to plant life but too much can be a problem for plants and animals. It is also a component of chemical and manure based fertilizers. Nitrate can enter watercourses and ponds from sources such as areas of high fertilizer use, livestock feedlots and pastures, and sewage treatment areas.