Amphibians in Crisis

Salamander courtesy of OH Department of Natural ResourcesAmphibians are in the midst of an extinction crisis. According to the Global Amphibian Assessment, nearly one-third of all amphibian species are endangered or threatened, making amphibians the most endangered group of animals in the world. Defenders has launched a campaign to review and address threats leading to amphibian population declines.

Some of the factors contributing to amphibian declines include climate change, the spread of emerging infectious disease - most notably Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and the amphibian chytrid fungus, habitat loss, pollution and invasive species. There is little information on the impact of trade on amphibian populations.

Reversing the Decline of Amphibian Populations

In order to effectively work on reversing the decline of amphibian populations worldwide we have developed a comprehensive strategy. We are working to:

  • Improve the Regulation of Live Animal Imports
    We are working to improve the regulation of live animal imports to the U.S. Our 2007 report on the live animal trade, Broken Screens – The Regulation of Live Animal Imports in the United States, showed that more than a dozen non-native amphibian species currently being imported into the U.S. pose risks of becoming invasive species and/or carrying diseases. This could have a negative impact on native amphibian populations.
  • Assess Amphibian Imports for Unsustainable Collecting
    We are assessing the parts of the amphibian import business that are causing unsustainable collecting overseas.
  • Educate Policy Makers on Need for Tighter Screening
    We are developing materials to educate policymakers on the need to more tightly screen amphibian imports for deadly diseases, especially that caused by chytrid fungus.
  • Protect Latin American Amphibians
    We are launching a new effort to protect amphibians in Latin America, where these creatures are both diverse and threatened on a number of fronts.
  • Assess Protections Under International Laws
    We are assessing protections for amphibians under international laws, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, and under laws in relevant countries.