Wildlife

Amphibian Conservation and Chytrid Disease

Amphibians are the world's most threatened vertebrate group, with chytrid fungal disease driving mass extinctions globally.

Key Facts

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has caused the extinction of over 90 amphibian species
The UK great crested newt has legal protection but populations are still threatened
Amphibians are vital ecological indicators and pest controllers
Pond creation is one of the most effective conservation actions for UK amphibians
Captive breeding programmes for critically endangered species are a last-resort conservation tool

Welfare Considerations

Amphibian population collapse represents both a conservation crisis and a welfare emergency for billions of individual animals experiencing disease-related suffering. Habitat creation and international trade regulation are priority interventions.

What You Can Do

Create a wildlife pond in your garden - even a small one helps
Support organisations working on amphibian disease research and conservation
Engage with the illegal wildlife trade in amphibians as a disease transmission pathway
Advocate for biosecurity measures to prevent introduction of novel amphibian pathogens
Learn about the amphibians in your area and contribute sightings to recording schemes