Day #157 Extinction

'Planet Earth' tells us that at least half of the wetlands, grasslands, and forests have now disappeared.
Even worse is that they say one-quarter of all animals are now gone and also one-third of the amphibians.
For instance, the Golden Toad of South America is lost to us forever.
Half of the amphibians left on planet earth are endangered.
How is this possible?
Well, researchers brought a toad over from Africa quite some time ago, and, of course, some escaped, or possibly 'kindly' researchers let them go.
Why should that matter?
As amphibians also breathe through their skin, their skin is very absorbant.
Thus, when the African toads carried a fungus with them to North America, frogs and toads of all varieties 'caught' it from these escapees. This fungus continues to dessimate most varieties of amphibians today.
Also, the pesticides from current farming are absorbed into their bodies through their skin, and so you will see mutations on many of the survivors. Not to mention the many chemicals from cleaners and drugs that go down the drain and into the water system.
I found a 'blue' bullfrog in Bloomfield a few years ago when I was mowing. It isn't listed in any books that I've found. It is likely a mutation. The US has recorded a lot of mutations.
Mowing lawns excessively is another reason why thousands of species of plants - the most important life factor - as well as animals, birds and insects, are dying off.
You will see homes and properties with 2, 3 and sometimes many more acres completely mowed over the entire area. Sterile green deserts! Do you see any living creature on these mowed areas? No!!!
Leave a wild area, and mow around some of the wildflowers. Dig a hole 3'x 3'x 3', fill it with sand, and be secure in knowing your garden toads have a safe place to hang out in the day and through the winter as they help you look after your gardens.
Home-owners are simply using up the last of our natural gas resources in a race to include mankind, (that means us), in the ultimate extinction of life on earth as we know it, in as short a time as possible.
It has been fun, though, hasn't it.
What is it they say? It's been nice knowing you!