Amphibian Conservation
Since the 1970s worldwide amphibian populations have been in decline. Habitat loss is the main cause of declines but pollution, habitat degradation, invasive species, and a changing climate are also important factors.
Amphibians as Indicator Species
A spring peeper. © George Cevera
Amphibians serve important functions in the natural world. They have a huge role in the nutrient cycle; serving as both predator and prey, they help keep our waters clean, pests under control, and nutrients moving up the food chain. Most amphibians have distinct larval and adult stages which are split between terrestrial and aquatic habitats- making them uniquely vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation.
Zoom+ This green frog's deformities are caused by parasites found in nitrogen and phosphorus rich waters due to fertilizer run-off. © Lee Ekstrom
Behavioral and physiological characteristics also make amphibians highly vulnerable to changes in their environment. Traits like their porous skin - which is crucial for respiration, preventing dehydration, and even drinking - is incredibility sensitive to changes in temperature, the presence of contaminants, and even water chemistry like pH. Many amphibians are also philopatric, meaning they return to the pond where they were born to breed, but if ponds are destroyed or can no longer be accessed due to roads or other barriers- they may not breed. Environmental stressors like habitat loss, pollution, climate change (increased UV radiation, fluctuations in rainfall and water temperature) can lead to deformities, delayed or premature metamorphosis, unsuccessful breeding, and even death.
Amphibians in decline
Since the 1970s worldwide amphibian populations have been in decline. Scientists estimate that over 150 species have gone extinct since 1980 and one-third of all amphibian species are threatened. Habitat loss is the main cause of declines but pollution, habitat degradation, and invasive species are also important factors. The recent emergence of major amphibian diseases, together with climate change, may be the biggest threat to face amphibians yet.
 | Amphibian DiseaseEmerging diseases are threatening amphibian populations worldwide and impacting native species in New Jersey. |
 | Headstart program for Eastern Tiger SalamandersThe Eastern Tiger Salamander Headstart Program was started in 2011 as a partnership between NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, Cape May County Zoo, Conserve Wildlife Foundation, and the Association of Zoos & Aquarium. |
 | Green treefrogsIn June 2011, a breeding population of green treefrogs, Hyla cinerea, was discovered in New Jersey. This was the first documented occurence of this species in New Jersey. |
Find Related Info: Amphibians, Vernal Pools
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