Amphibian populations are known to be declining at alarming rates around the world. The decline of their population has been linked to various factors such as UV radiation, emerging diseases and exposure to pesticides. Exposure to pesticides, however, is of particular importance due to their high potential for toxicity and widespread environmental contamination. They are commonly introduced into local water systems through runoff from agricultural fields. According to the National Water Quality Inventory, agricultural runoff is the leading cause of water pollution in rivers and lakes in the United States. Because many amphibian species have habitats that coincide with agricultural areas, there is a greater likelihood of contamination of their habitat through runoff. While pesticides increase agricultural profits, they also lead to high amphibian mortality and regulations should be improved. All amphibians have high skin permeability, which is a key factor linking pesticides to their decline. This physiological characteristic can be linked to the ways in which gas exchange occurs within their circulatory system. The oxygen molecules first diffuse onto the moist surface of the seed coat. The oxygen molecules are then picked up by red blood cells inside the capillaries, which run close to the surface of the skin. The oxygen-saturated blood is then circulated throughout the body before being expelled similar to how it was absorbed. Because of this high skin permeability, it is also much easier for toxins, such as pesticides, to enter and accumulate in the amphibian's body (Association of Zoos and Aquariums). Once pesticides are integrated into the amphibian, they can lead to malformations, decreased fitness, and even death depending on the type... middle of paper...pesticides, it's not, to call for better regulations and controls. However, it is not obvious that pesticides generate better agricultural products for our consumption and fuel the economy. But amphibian populations continue to decline and nothing has changed in EPA regulation of pesticides, including those mentioned. The world is rapidly losing vast amounts of biodiversity in the name of age-old bureaucratic processes. The perspective of ecologists and biologists continues to be ignored even in view of possible extinctions. If the new rules are not put in place and adopted so soon, there will undoubtedly be major consequences not seen since the passenger pigeon. Once the world loses a species, no form of legislation can bring it back, which is why passing new regulations now is imperative for the present and future..