Austral amphibians – Gondwanan relicts in peril

摘要: Over 30% of Australasian amphibians are currently threatened with extinction. While habitat loss, introduced species and disease have been identified as major threats, the impacts climate change understudied. Threatened frogs fall into distinct biogeographical ecological groupings that can be linked to specific threats (e.g. mountain- top endemics change; stream-dwelling wet forest disease; small island feral pests). The gradual over millions years has isolated climatic refugia (resulting in restricted geographic ranges), which combined traits these clutch-size) dramatically increases extinction risk. demonstrate intrinsic links between biogeographic history, ecology conservation status. solutions most clear at a broad level, stop land clearing, reduce CO emissions control animals; however, declines chytridiomycosis not easily resolved. Chytridiomycosis is universal threat understanding causes variation impact critically important. regional and/or specific, must examined carefully all likely affected. Here we cover issues for frogs, presenting examples highlight avenues future research management. Phylogenetic history amphibian globally making them vertebrate groups (Wake Vredenburg 2008). There multiple Austral frogs: e.g. – chytrid fungus more aquatic lifestyles; clutch size limited range associated higher decline or risk; (Gambusia trout Australia, Gillespie Hero, 1999; Murray et al., 2011; Rattus New Zealand, Thurley Bell, 1994; mongoose Pacific Islands, Pernetta Watling, 1979) less threats,identified both global analyses declines: (Hero 2006, 2008; Hof 2011) loss fragmentation These factors pose serious many other regions world (Stuart, 2008) their vary among genera, depending on current distribution use (Table 21.1).