Amphibian populations have been on rapid decline in recent years, at a rate said to be rivalled only by the mass extinction of the dinosaurs. Habitat destruction of one of the major factors in the decline of these amazing animals, who have populated our earth for hundreds of millions of years, and it is from amphibians that reptiles would evolve. Over half of the approximate 7000 species of amphibians are in decline, with a third being on the IUCN Red List of threatened species, and an estimated 120 species are to be lost in the immediate future. The life for these creatures is a delicate balance for environment, an entire species could occupy one small river or area, and once that is destroyed, the species is gone. There is a substantial number of amphibian species existing in non protected habitats, which is a major problem for their survival. It is imperative that more protected areas are established to ensure the safety of amphibians and giving them a future.

Habitat destruction is not the only threat to amphibians, but they are battling against lethal diseases. The main culprit being chytridiomycosis, a fungal infection that is highly infectious, contagious, and incurable. Little is known about the origins and the way in which chytrid works, and there are currently no methods of controlling the disease. I have recently written a report of the effects of this disease, if anyone is interested you can access that here – https://ljnoddingherpetology.wordpress.com/reports/.

A recent fund set up by the ASA (Amphibian Survival Alliance), named the Leapfrog Conservation Fund, is striving to protect amphibians and their habitats through protected areas starting with the most threatened habitats. For more information, and also for funding for a project please visit – http://www.amphibians.org/leapfrog-conservation-fund/.