![Killed in cold blood](https://cdn.magzter.com/1335344221/1672654385/articles/nFtQtNhlQ1674041282284/KILLED-IN-COLD-BLOOD.jpg)
THE DEMAND for land for food production always results in an uncomfortable trade-off between agricultural expansion and species conservation. One can see an example of this tradeoff in paddy fields, whose unique combination of wet and drylands provide ideal habitats for amphibians and reptiles. These cold-blooded animals, together referred to as herpetofauna, provide immense ecological services. Frogs and toads, for instance, act as biological control agents by feeding on crop pests. Several salamanders and tadpoles of frogs help in controlling mosquito and mosquito-borne diseases by feeding on the larvae. They also help improve soil quality and aeration, aid in dispersal of seeds and in pollination-there are almost 40 species of lizards including skinks and geckos that are efficient pollinators. However, the diversity and abundance of these herpetofauna are rapidly declining with increased use of pesticides, fertilisers, land conversion, changes in cropping systems and the reduced proportion of natural vegetation. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 1,532 species of Anurans (frogs) and 825 species of reptiles in the world are critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable due to agriculture and its management practices. They appear to particularly threatened in India which has a high amphibian diversity-most of them are endemic to the region-and, as per the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, had the largest cropland area over the last decade, followed by the US and China.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 01, 2023-Ausgabe von Down To Earth.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 01, 2023-Ausgabe von Down To Earth.
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![Look Beyond Dust](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/762/1719707/LUcfRhjSO1717500619374/crp_LOOK-BEYOND-DUST.jpg)
Look Beyond Dust
Reinvent National Clean Air Programme to focus on fine particulate matter and trans-boundary pollution
![PLAN THEM COOL](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/762/1719707/7f5hMRg3Y1717501540417/PLAN-THEM-COOL.jpg)
PLAN THEM COOL
As urban India turns into a heat trap, the government must focus on improving cities' liveability
![Vision 2030](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/762/1719707/hxj09bnEp1717500184062/crp_VISION-2030.jpg)
Vision 2030
Economic growth must take into account needs of energy transition, climate mitigation, with action aligned as per India's 2030 climate goals
![FIX OUR FOOD](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/762/1719707/xMK2FG_n01717502345831/FIX-OUR-FOOD.jpg)
FIX OUR FOOD
Chemical-dependent farming, lax labelling laws, rising anti-microbial resistance must top the agenda
![BATTLE THE CAR BULGE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/762/1719707/1rF6Iqiqk1717502158050/BATTLE-THE-CAR-BULGE.jpg)
BATTLE THE CAR BULGE
Clean, affordable, integrated and accessible public transport the only solution
![CONSERVE NOW](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/762/1719707/fnXeqrw561717502067483/CONSERVE-NOW.jpg)
CONSERVE NOW
Disregard for biodiversity conservation over the past two decades needs immediate redressal
![SCRAP THE DUMP](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/762/1719707/agByyU0zV1717501748303/SCRAP-THE-DUMP.jpg)
SCRAP THE DUMP
Disincentivise garbage dumping, invest in behavioural change
![THINK LONG-TERM](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/762/1719707/GUd91olKI1717501199219/THINK-LONGTERM.jpg)
THINK LONG-TERM
India needs continued emphasis on flagship programmes, aligned to long-term planning that focusses on water security and circular economy in a climate-risked era
![OVERHAUL OVERDUE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/762/1719707/saIOJR5k01717500839449/OVERHAUL-OVERDUE.jpg)
OVERHAUL OVERDUE
Hold polluting industries accountable for public health risks, environmental hazards, climate change; provide them support for green transition
![IT'S NOW OR NEVER](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/762/1719707/u8HQXylCV1717500436337/ITS-NOW-OR-NEVER.jpg)
IT'S NOW OR NEVER
Clean energy sectors need demand-driven markets and domestic industries that can cater to the entire value chain