The Amphibian Extinction Crisis - what will it take to put the action into the Amphibian Conservation Action Plan?

摘要: The current mass extinction episode is most apparent in the amphibians. With approximately 7,000 species, amphibians are dependent on clean fresh water and damp habitats considered vulnerable to habitat loss (deforestation), changes or soil quality potential impacts of climate change, addition many species suffering from an epidemic caused by a chytrid fungus. Because their sensitivity general dependence both terrestrial aquatic they often regarded as indicators health environment. latest figures International Union for Conservation Nature’s (IUCN) Red List Threatened Species™ show that there nearly categorised those birds mammals put together, with estimated 40% amphibian danger extinction. Furthermore, although have survived multiple previous global extinctions, last 20-40 years precipitous population declines taken place scale not previously seen. Although were first reported 1950s, magnitude scope problem only fully realised during discussions at 1st World Congress Herpetology England 1989. Shortly thereafter, Declining Amphibian Populations Task Force (DAPTF) was established IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) investigate causes severity declines. Many projects publications stimulated DAPTF results these prompted conduct assessment 2004. SSC’s Action Plan (ACAP) published 2007, following Summit held 2005. ACAP identified key issues require attention order curb this crisis, provided framework interventions. While been significant efforts five years, response crisis has progressed across all areas action plan sufficient halt crisis. As direct result, continue decline go extinct. Finding solutions counter extinctions one greatest conservation challenges century, which comes alarming serious implications ecosystems globally. Alliance (ASA), launched June 2011, acts partnership conservation. It pivotal position implement ACAP, acting mobilise motivated effective consortium organisations working together stem rapid losses populations worldwide. brings focus, coordination, leadership addressing world’s crises. Its goal restoration threatened native natural roles levels recently formed will address several new initiatives, including creating web-based ‘living’ version driving implementation themes more progressive collaborative manner than ever before, thereby stemming important part biological diversity our planet.