A new study reveals that climate change has become a significant driver of amphibian declines worldwide. Climate change effects have emerged as the most common primary driver of deteriorating amphibian populations from 2004 to 2022, affecting 39% of species, compared to just 1% during the previous two decades (1980-2004).
CLIMATE CHANGE
The impact of climate change on amphibians is exemplified by species endemic to Venezuelan tepuis, table-top mountains, which are particularly vulnerable due to their inability to migrate vertically, said the latest report published in Nature.
Climate-induced habitat shifts pose an existential threat to these creatures. Additionally, decreased rainfall linked to climate change in regions like the Wet Tropics of Australia and Brazil’s Atlantic Forest is expected to reduce the reproductive success of direct-developing frogs, which rely on high soil and leaf-litter moisture levels to prevent egg desiccation.
In regions like eastern Australia and western United States, climate change is exacerbating the frequency, duration, and severity of droughts and wildfires, compounding existing threats from disease and habitat loss. For example, the increasing incidence of fires and reduced soil humidity has contributed to the decline of five US salamander species in the genus Batrachoseps.
The report emphasizes that the true impacts of climate change on amphibians are likely underestimated due to the scarcity and geographical bias of existing studies. As more research is conducted and the effects of climate change intensify, additional amphibian species are expected to face deteriorating status.
EXTINCTION RISK
The comprehensive assessment evaluated the extinction risk of over 8,000 amphibian species worldwide, including 2,286 species assessed for the first time. More than 1,000 experts worldwide contributed their data and expertise to the assessment. The study found that two out of every five amphibian species are currently threatened with extinction, a higher proportion compared to mammals, reptiles, and birds.
While some amphibian species have improved their status, often due to habitat protection following declines associated with chytridiomycosis (a fungal disease), there are still no definitive conservation measures to prevent ongoing disease-related declines in wild populations. Protecting the habitat of affected species remains a critical aspect of their conservation efforts.
This new study updates a landmark 2004 paper that marked the first global assessment of amphibians for the IUCN Red List. It underscores the ongoing amphibian crisis and serves as a baseline for monitoring trends and conservation impact. The findings highlight the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the multiple threats facing amphibians and mitigate the impacts of climate change on these vulnerable creatures.
