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Heatwaves and Droughts Accelerate Global Amphibian Decline

A Goethe University Frankfurt analysis correlates four decades of rising heatwaves with sharp population declines across more than 7,000 amphibian species.

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Overview

  • Researchers examined 40 years of global weather data on heatwaves, cold spells and droughts alongside the geographic distribution and IUCN Red List status of over 7,000 amphibian species.
  • Central Europe, the Amazon basin and Madagascar—all experiencing increased frequency of heatwaves and droughts—have seen a marked worsening of amphibian threat levels since 2004.
  • Roughly 40 percent of known amphibian species are classified as threatened with extinction on the IUCN Red List, driven by a combination of climate pressures, habitat loss, disease and pollution.
  • The dependence of many amphibians on temporary wetlands for reproduction leaves them highly vulnerable when rising temperatures and prolonged droughts dry out crucial breeding habitats.
  • In Central Europe, half of the native true salamander species now face longer and more frequent drought periods, a trend researchers warn is likely to intensify.