Amphibians face an extinction crisis driven by chytrid fungal disease. Zoos are maintaining captive assurance colonies for species on the brink, with significant welfare implications.
The global amphibian extinction crisis has thrust zoos into a critical conservation role: maintaining insurance populations of critically endangered species while researchers work on habitat restoration and disease management solutions. Captive amphibian welfare requires meticulous attention to environmental conditions — temperature, humidity, substrate, lighting, and diet must closely replicate wild requirements. Stress in amphibians manifests through immunosuppression and reduced reproductive success. Captive assurance colonies provide a lifeline for species otherwise headed for extinction. The long-term challenge is creating conditions in which reintroduction to wild or semi-wild habitats becomes feasible, which requires both high welfare in captivity and resolution of the disease challenge in the field.