Battle of the amphibians: Study warns of impending species extinction!

Battle of the amphibians: Study warns of impending species extinction!

Amphibians are among the most threatened vertebrate groups worldwide; Almost 41 percent of all known species are threatened with extinction. Salamanders, which are suffering greatly in the current climate crisis, are particularly affected. A new study from Goethe University Frankfurt, published on June 2, 2025, looks at the challenges amphibians face in the face of rising temperatures and extreme weather events. The study shows a significant increase in the threat status of amphibians over the past two decades, which is closely correlated with changing climatic conditions and increasing droughts, particularly since 2004. These results were obtained from an analysis of global weather data from the last 40 years and compared to the distribution of over 7,000 amphibian species. PUK reports that Europe, the Amazon region and Madagascar are particularly badly affected.

The study highlights that amphibians, including frogs, salamanders and creeping amphibians, are extremely vulnerable due to their specific reproductive needs for temporary wetlands. In South America, frogs are particularly affected by heat waves, while in Europe, salamanders suffer greatly from intense drought periods. Dr. Lisa Schulte, head of the Department of Wild and Zoo Animal Biology and Systematics, warns that in Central Europe half of the native salamanders are increasingly exposed to periods of drought. These circumstances not only endanger amphibian populations, but also biodiversity as a whole.

Consequences of climate change

The results illustrate how climate change has now overtaken the once-dominant fungal diseases as the main cause of declining amphibian populations. Loud Science.de 93 percent of threatened amphibian species are directly affected by human activities. These activities range from habitat destruction through agriculture and infrastructure development to environmental pollution. In order to improve the prospect of rescue for these animals, the authors of the study call for targeted protective measures. This includes, among other things, creating small protected areas and improving wetlands to support endangered species and preserve their habitats.

The urgency of the situation is underscored by the observation that since 2004, more than 300 amphibian species are at significantly greater risk of extinction. Nevertheless, 120 species have managed to improve their status on the IUCN Red List since 1980. These successes contrast with the ongoing losses that have already led to the official extinction of four species. Research continues to show that the primary threats to these species lie in regions considered biodiversity hotspots, including Mesoamerica, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa and Asia.

Conservation measures and biodiversity

The study by regionalheute.de calls for urgency to preserve the habitats of these animals worthy of protection. Amphibians play a crucial role as indicators of ecosystem health. Their protection is therefore essential, not only for their survival, but also for the preservation of biological diversity as a whole. Future climate forecasts indicate that the problems are likely to worsen, particularly as droughts become more frequent in Central Europe. To ensure the survival of these species and the stability of ecosystems, immediate action must be taken to both combat climate change and sustainably protect habitats.