Amphibians face a global extinction crisis from chytrid fungus, habitat loss, and climate change. Zoo conservation programs play a critical role but face welfare challenges in captive amphibian management.
Zoo amphibian welfare is primarily achieved through precise environmental management rather than behavioural enrichment. Unlike mammals or birds, amphibians show limited capacity for human-interaction-based welfare improvement, but their environmental needs are exacting. Incorrect temperature, inadequate humidity, inappropriate substrate, or poor water quality causes chronic stress and immune suppression in captive amphibians. The conservation value of amphibian programs is enormous - some species exist only in zoos - but this must be balanced with ensuring captive individuals live in conditions appropriate to their biological needs.