Amphibians are the world's most threatened vertebrate class, facing a convergence of habitat loss, disease, climate change and pollution that causes mass mortality globally.
Amphibian decline involves welfare harms at individual and population levels. Chytridiomycosis causes a painful death through disruption of skin function — the primary site of amphibian respiration and electrolyte regulation. While wild animal welfare is complex to assess and address, the scale of amphibian suffering from disease, habitat loss and pollution represents a conservation and welfare emergency warranting urgent action. Protecting amphibian habitat and reducing agricultural pollution are among the most effective interventions available.