Climate change has emerged as a major threat to the world’s amphibians, with 40% facing extinction, according to a groundbreaking study involving over 100 international experts, including Professor John Measey from Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Invasion Biology.
Measey contributed data and expertise, particularly focused on southern African amphibians. The study found that climate change is a significant factor behind the decline of these creatures, particularly due to their sensitivity to environmental changes.
The study, titled ‘Ongoing declines for the world’s amphibians in the face of emerging threats,’ highlights that habitat destruction, disease and overexploitation have long been recognised threats to amphibians.
However, it emphasises that climate change is now a critical driver of their decline, affecting 39% of species. Amphibians are especially vulnerable because they struggle to adapt to the rapidly changing climate.
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Measey notes that the study highlights hotspots of disease in central and eastern African amphibians, posing a new threat to their conservation on the continent.
While habitat loss remains a major concern, disease is becoming an increasingly significant factor. The study underscores the urgent need for proactive conservation measures and habitat protection to address this crisis.
Amphibians are essential to ecosystems and play a role in medicine, pest control, and environmental monitoring. Protecting them is not only crucial for biodiversity but also contributes to combating climate change by preserving carbon-storing ecosystems.
This study will inform global conservation efforts and policies to safeguard amphibians and, in turn, the planet’s health.
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Picture: Stellenbosch University