What severe environmental stressor, common in global amphibian declines, played a devastating role in the toad's extinction in the wild?
Answer
Disease, specifically pathogens like the chytrid fungus
The rapid collapse of wild populations stemmed from a combination of extreme geographic constraint and intense environmental pressures. While habitat loss in the Laramie River system was a major factor, disease proved devastating. Specifically, recognized global threats to amphibians, such as the chytrid fungus, acted as an overwhelming stressor on the already vulnerable Wyoming Toad population, contributing significantly to its declaration as extinct in the wild by 1991.
Related Questions
What common name is scientifically classified with the Wyoming Toad as *Anaxyrus baxteri*?What specific environmental features defined the natural habitat of the Wyoming Toad?Which facility has served as a primary partner maintaining the captive assurance colony since 1991?What is the primary goal scientists look for to gauge the true success of Wyoming Toad recovery programs?What is the approximate length range for a fully grown Wyoming Toad?What unusual feature is noted on the upper forelimbs of many Wyoming Toads?What specific geographic feature housed the historical native range centered near Laramie?What substance or feature must be managed during habitat restoration efforts to aid the toad's survival?What severe environmental stressor, common in global amphibian declines, played a devastating role in the toad's extinction in the wild?What aquatic stage of the Wyoming Toad's life cycle hatches from the eggs laid by females?