The updated 2024 Amphibian Conservation Action Plan (ACAP), published today, marks a critical turning point in the global fight to save amphibians from extinction. As the most threatened class of vertebrates, with a staggering 41% of species at risk, amphibians face an unprecedented crisis that demands immediate action. Developed through a collaborative effort by over 100 leading experts from the IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (ASG), the ACAP represents a united front in the battle against amphibian declines.
This comprehensive document, drawing on the latest scientific data and conservation advancements, provides a roadmap for researchers, conservationists, and policymakers worldwide to implement effective, evidence-based strategies to protect these critical species. The ACAP synthesizes current knowledge on amphibian threats, including habitat loss, disease, and climate change, offering a detailed analysis of their impacts on species survival. It also identifies key conservation priorities and knowledge gaps, guiding researchers in focusing their efforts on the most impactful areas.
Gina Della Togna, Executive Director of the Amphibian Survival Alliance (ASA), commented, “The 2024 ACAP stands as a testament to the power of collaborative research and targeted conservation strategies. It is designed to guide practitioners in making evidence-based decisions that can lead to real-world impacts in halting and reversing amphibian declines. This plan is a call to action for the global community.”
Professor Amaël Borzée, ASG Co-Chair and one of the document’s editors, emphasized, “The new ACAP is a cornerstone for amphibian conservation, providing an advanced toolkit for researchers and conservationists worldwide. It is a vital resource for addressing the pressing issues faced by amphibians today.”
The urgent need for the ACAP is further underscored by the findings of the State of the World’s Amphibians (SOTWA) report, which highlights the continued decline in amphibian populations and the pressing need for comprehensive conservation measures. According to the SOTWA report, habitat loss and degradation remain the most significant threats, affecting 93% of threatened species, followed by the impacts of climate change and disease.
Sally Wren, ASG Deputy Chair and lead editor, added, “To halt and reverse the long-standing amphibian population declines and prevent more species extinctions, it is critical that amphibian conservation becomes both an integral and conspicuous part of the biodiversity conservation agenda worldwide. Adequate financial and human resources and necessary policy measures are key to addressing this decades-long crisis.”
The 2024 ACAP serves as an urgent call to action for the global community to prioritize amphibian conservation. Policymakers, funding agencies, and conservation organizations are urged to rally behind this plan, dedicating the necessary financial and human resources to ensure its successful implementation. The time to act is now, before more species are lost forever.
Amphibians are key indicators of ecosystem health, and their rapid decline is a clear warning sign that we must take action now. The 2024 ACAP, developed with significant input from the ASA and its partners, provides a science-based framework for addressing the complex challenges facing amphibian conservation. As the world’s largest collaborative effort dedicated to amphibian conservation, the ASA is committed to supporting the implementation of the targeted strategies outlined in this plan. By leveraging our global network of experts, resources, and partnerships, we aim to tackle the root causes of amphibian declines, from habitat loss and disease to climate change. The ACAP represents a significant milestone in our efforts to protect these critical species and the ecosystems they inhabit. The ASA calls upon the global community of scientists, researchers, and conservationists to utilize this comprehensive resource to inform their work, prioritize their efforts, and maximize their impact in the field of amphibian conservation. By utilizing the strategies and recommendations outlined in the ACAP, we can advance our understanding of the complex threats facing amphibians and develop targeted, evidence-based interventions to mitigate these threats at local, regional, and global scales.
For more information, download the 2024 Amphibian Conservation Action Plan here. For a comprehensive overview of the conservation status of amphibians, see the State of the World’s Amphibians report here.
Photo: Darwin’s frog (Rhinoderma darwinii) © Andrés Valenzuela