As with other species, montane and higher-latitude amphibian and reptile populations are most at risk because appropriate habitat is likely to shrink, or in some cases, disappear (Root et al. 2003). Amphibian and reptile populations respond strongly to changes in air and water temperature, precipitation, and the length of time and seasonality of water presence (hydroperiod) of their environments (Cary and Alexander 2003). This is partly because they are ectothermic; their body temperatures and activity cycles depend on ambient temperature and environmental conditions.
Basic text from: Lind, Amy J. 2008. Amphibians and Reptiles and Climate Change. (May 20, 2008). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Climate Change Resource Center. www.fs.fed.us.
Cary C. and M.A. Alexander, 2003. Climate change and amphibian declines: Is there a link? Diversity and Distributions. 9: 111-121.
Root T.L., Price, J.T., Hall, K.R., Schneider, S.H., Rosenzweig, C., Pounds, J.A., 2003. Fingerprints of global warming on wild animals and plants. Nature. 421: 57-60.
