That's one of the reasons Congressman Kingston has been the leader in Congress to press forward on the issue of protecting amphibians. Groat was referring to reports documenting a global decline in the numbers of amphibians and an increase in the incidence of deformities. Because of amphibians' sensitivity to environmental change, such as acid rain pollution, pesticides, and the loss of wetland habitats, they serve as barometers of ecosystem health. Even someone who lacks a warm, fuzzy feeling for frogs should be concerned if amphibians are experiencing problems from environmental degradation. Humans may be the next to suffer.
Most people respond positively to charismatic creatures such as pandas, porpoises, and penguins.
But the plight of amphibians could be the shot across the bow that deeper-lying environmental problems signal trouble heading our way. Amphibians may be the sentinels giving a warning we should heed. The work of experts is weighed in partnership and cooperation among USGS, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and other organizations, universities and with the states. He went on to express confidence that the group has set in motion a framework that will ask the right questions and find the answers to those questions. The 107th Congress will have many serious and important questions to seek answers for.