Conserving Reptiles and Amphibians

Dear Colleagues,

Reptiles and amphibians are among the most threatened groups of vertebrates, and they are facing multiple conservation challenges in many areas of the world. The detriment to reptiles and amphibian diversity generally comes from poaching for the pet trade, habitat destruction, rising global temperatures, infectious diseases, and invasive species.

Sadly, given their cryptic nature and social reputation among the general public, reptiles and amphibians usually receive little media attention. In some cases, vulnerable species can miss out on funding opportunities for conservation efforts. Given these issues, it is important to examine areas of the world that are combating conservation crises and discussing successful conservation programs. This often creates insights and can help other management strategies with similar species in other areas of the world.

Within reptiles and amphibians, turtles and frogs have the most threatened or endangered species, and in North and South America, the chytrid fungus is decimating amphibian populations. However, massive breeding programs, public outreach with local officials, and raising social awareness have been helping save many populations, even leading to some successful reintroductions. In various parts of Asia, certain species of turtles have cultural significance and are used in many traditional medicine practices. This along with habitat destruction has resulted in South and Southeast Asia and Indochina having the majority of endangered or threatened turtle species.

Exploration and discovery of new species is a key component in helping conserving ecosystems. Unfortunately, publications of these new species are used as collection guides by animal poachers. These commercial collectors impact populations by collecting massive numbers of individuals and have even caused some species of lizards to go extinct from their type localities. Squamates tend to be the biggest victims of poaching, and there needs to be a communal discussion on the best practices when describing new species that will be attractive to animal poachers.

Lastly, growing human populations and the urbanization of habitat, combined with climate change, are contributing a unique set of challenges for species management. Rising global temperatures over the next 50 to 100 years will have an impact on many amphibian and other moisture-dependent species. These rising temperatures, along with droughts, could cause a reduction in habitats that have enough moisture to sustain these species, particularly at higher elevations and latitudes.

Original manuscripts that address any aspects of reptile and amphibian conservation are invited for this Special Issue. Topics of special interest are taxonomy, genetics, infectious disease, climate change, and invasive species. Discussion of threats to regional herpetofauna and examples of successful conservation programs are also welcomed.

Dr. Jesse Grismer
Guest Editor

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• reptiles
• amphibians
• conservation
• climate change
• poaching
• invasive species
• taxonomy