Global amphibian declines: A review

Abstract

Global biodiversity losses have assumed the status of a crisis and as a part of it, many amphibian populations are declining. It is estimated that the current rate of extinction is greater than any known in the last 100,000 years. Recent studies have shown that nearly one-third of amphibian species are threatened. Amphibians are thought to be indicator species of overall environmental health, and understanding their declines may serve as a model for understanding species declines in general. The present review discusses the present state of knowledge about the complex problem of amphibian declines: the hypotheses which have been propounded, the remedial measures which have been proposed and the future directions for research in this important area.

Factors Affecting Students’ Attitudes Toward Toads

“…Amphibians are vulnerable animals due to their aquatic and terrestrial life (Hussain & Pandit, 2012), and their permeable skin is very sensitive to environmental conditions (Collins & Storfer, 2003). The worldwide decline of amphibians can be contributed to habitat destruction, alternation, and fragmentation Cushman, 2006;Ferreira & Beja, 2013;Cosentino et al, 2014), over-exploitation (Jensen & Camp, 2003), UVB radiation (Blaustein et al, 2003), chemical contaminants (Blaustein et al, 2003;Pezdirc et al, 2011), disease (Hussain & Pandit, 2012), competition with introduced species (Vredenburg, 2004), and most probably to other, yet unidentified factors, as well. For a detailed review, see also Beebee & Griffith (2005) and Blaustein & Kiesecker (2002).…”

Introduction to the special issue: Ecoimmunology in ectotherms

“…The emerging fungi pathogens threaten biodiversity more than any other group of microorganisms that can cause disease (Fisher et al, 2012). They are responsible for declines of many taxa, including fishes (Hatai, 2012;Rodger, 2016;Yanong, 2003), amphibians (Blaustein et al, 2018;Grogan et al, 2018;Hussain & Pandit, 2012;Rollins-Smith, 2017), and reptiles (Allender et al, 2020;Lorch et al, 2016;Schumacher, 2003). These declines are especially severe in amphibians, whose populations are declining worldwide (Blaustein et al, 2018;Collins, 2010).…”

“…The ectotherms decline has multiple causes, emphasizing the increased prevalence and outbreaks of diseases caused by emerging pathogens, such as fungus and viruses, in amphibians (Blaustein et al, 2018;Chen & Robert, 2011;Grogan et al, 2018;Hussain & Pandit, 2012;Rollins-Smith, 2017), reptiles (Allender et al, 2020;Lorch et al, 2016;Marschang, 2019;Schumacher, 1997Schumacher, , 2003, and fishes (Hatai, 2012;Rodger, 2016;Yanong, 2003). This increase in the prevalence of pathogens and the resulting diseases, in turn, are associated with climate change and environmental contamination (Becker & Zamudio, 2011;Brem & Lips, 2008;Burrowes et al, 2004).…”

Assessment of watershed vulnerability to climate change for the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache and Ashley National Forests, Utah

“…The recent decline in amphibian populations in the western United States is attributed to many factors including non-native or invasive species, land use, over-exploitation, climate change, ultraviolet radiation, contaminants, and emerging infectious diseases (Hussain and Pandit 2012). Disease, such as the chytrid fungus, affecting boreal toads in the western United States may have its spread promoted by warm temperatures (Muths et al 2008).…”