Frogs leaping into puddles once marked summer’s joy. Now, those puddles are vanishing — and so are the frogs. A new study has revealed that extreme weather is hitting amphibians hard, putting thousands of species at growing risk.
New Data Connects Weather and Species Decline
Researchers from the Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity have linked extreme weather events to worsening survival rates among amphibians. Their study, using 40 years of global weather data, showed how heatwaves, droughts and cold spells are accelerating existing threats. Amphibians like frogs, salamanders and caecilians already face pressures from habitat loss, diseases, pollution and climate change.
The team overlaid extreme weather trends with the geographical ranges of over 7,000 amphibian species. They also studied changes in their threat levels as listed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since 2004. The IUCN Red List has been tracking species’ risks globally since 1964.
Findings confirmed that increased heatwaves and droughts directly coincide with rising extinction risks for amphibians. “These animals depend on temporary wetlands for breeding,” said Dr Evan Twomey, lead author of the study. “When weather changes cause them to dry too soon, amphibians struggle to survive.”
Regions at the Highest Risk
Europe, the Amazon and Madagascar stood out as critical danger zones. In South America, native frogs are being exposed to more frequent and intense heatwaves. In Europe, droughts are affecting salamanders the most. Central Europe has become especially worrying. Climate projections suggest future droughts there will grow longer and more severe.
“Already, half of the native true salamanders in Central Europe face worsening droughts,” said Prof Lisa Schulte, head of the Department of Wildlife/Zoo-Animal Biology and Systematics. “We expect this trend to continue in the coming years.”
Urgent Need for Focused Protection
The researchers call for targeted conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable species. Potential solutions include improving and maintaining wetlands, creating small protected areas, and providing cool, moist retreat spaces like buried pipes and shaded boards. These steps can give amphibians shelter during dry seasons.
The study aims to support smarter conservation plans in the worst-hit areas. Amphibians are seen as vital indicators of environmental health. Their protection is crucial for preserving broader ecosystems. As their habitats dry up, their future may depend on how quickly action is taken.
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