Stephen Fry Lends Voice to New Frog Conservation Film

June 2019 AMPHIBIAN SURVIVAL ALLIANCE NEWTSLETTER

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Stephen Fry lends voice to new frog conservation film Comedian, author, writer and frog student Samuel Pollard and student, tions such as pond owners introduc- enthusiast Stephen Fry has lent his Alice Oliver from Falmouth Uni- ing fish, frog spawn or plants from voice to an emotive new animation versity collaborated to create the other environments. created by international conserva- five-and-a-half-minute animation: tion charity ZSL (Zoological Society ‘Ranavirus – Where did the frogs go Stephen Fry said, “I remember as a of London), hoping to raise the pro- (and why)?’ child growing up, waiting excitedly file of the deadly Ranavirus threat- until the day frogspawn appeared ening UK common frogs. Research from ZSL, which formed in my pond. I recall scooping up the the basis of the film’s content, found eggs with unbridled joy as I watched Underlined by a decade of research that at least 20% of Ranavirus cases them develop into tadpoles – from ZSL’s Institute of Zoology, led over the past 30 years could be at- sprouting back legs almost as quick by Dr Stephen Price – former UCL tributed to human-caused introduc- as my eyes could blink. “I’m sure I’m not the only one who ing wildlife ponds that mimic natural “Frogs, and all amphibians, are fac- has such fond memories of frogs as habitats with plants around the ing one of the biggest wildlife health a child, but this joyful interaction sides – will help frogs to keep cool crises of our time. Unfortunately, with the natural world could soon which reduces the severity of the they’re not as popular as some be a thing of the past, with dreaded disease.” other species, so they don’t always impacts of pollution and climate get the attention they deserve. change exacerbating the spread of Amphibians are vital to the world’s We’re hopeful that Stephen Fry’s fa- this virus in frogs. But there is hope, ecosystems, they are one of the miliar tones, combined with beauti- and everybody can help.” most incredibly diverse forms of ful animation, will help us to shine a life, found on every continent ex- spotlight on these amazing animals.” Introduced to Great Britain by hu- cept Antarctica. They are essential mans in the 1980s, Ranavirus mainly components of food webs; frogs and Members of the public can also affects Common frogs (Rana tem- newts keep insect and slug popula- assist by reporting sick or dead poraria) but could also affect other tions in check and serve as prey for amphibians to ZSL’s Garden Wildlife amphibians, fish and reptiles. The foxes and birds. Without frogs, local- Health Project, which helps track virus works by infecting its host’s ized ecological collapse could follow. diseases affecting British garden cells, where it replicates, releasing wildlife. www.gardenwildlifehealth. huge numbers of new virus parti- Former UCL-student, Samuel Pol- org cles, killing the cells – and eventually lard, who led on the animation its host in the process. added, “We wanted to use simple Watch the animation narrated by flat illustrations to portray complex Stephen Fry here: https://youtu.be/ Stephen Price, amphibian disease and serious stories about the natural Jg6lJUNffV4 expert at ZSL’s Institute of Zool- world, which meant condensing a ogy and UCL said, “We need to get decade of research into a five-and-a- A Garden Wildlife Health factsheet people’s attention and alert them to half-minute long video, while retain- on Ranavirus disease is available at this deadly disease unfolding in their ing important statistics needed to https://www.gardenwildlifehealth. back gardens – because they can do stress the urgency of this issue. org/portfolio/ranavirus-disease/ something about it. “Viruses and frogs have been on Further information on preventing “People can help stop the spread by the planet far longer than humans, the spread of amphibian diseases avoiding moving potentially infected and the video illustrates just how can be found at https://www.gar- material such as spawn, tadpoles, quickly humans have spread Rana- denwildlifehealth.org/wp-content/ pond water and plants into their virus around the world. Amphibians uploads/sites/12/2019/02/Amphib- own pond. Disinfecting footwear have become the most threatened ian-disease-alert_June-2015.pdf or pond nets before using them vertebrate group on the planet, in elsewhere will also help, while build- really no time at all.

that, despite a plea from con- Forest by signing and sharing this cerned citizens and conservation Change.org petition to urge the scientists alike, the government government of Ghana to convert it may be set to approve a bauxite to a National Park. mine that will severely impact this Key Biodiversity Area. A protected In a typically packed and eclectic Forest Reserve since 1926, Atewa collection of stories from around provides vital services to surround- the ASA partnership, we also share

ing settlements, including freshwa- with you news about the Atelopus EDITORIAL ter for an estimated 5 million peo- Survival Initiative (p.3), species as-

ple in Accra. Its value as a forest sessments and conservation plan- We start this editorial with an ecosystem protected in perpetuity ning in Honduras (p.7), developing urgent call to help our partners in far surpasses any short-term gain the KBA/AZE site identification pro- Ghana to protect the irreplaceable from a mining operation. Please cess in conjunction with Red Listing Atewa Forest – home to over 70 learn more on page 4 and join ASA (p.12), protecting the elusive Table threatened species, including the Partners such as Global Wildlife Mountain Ghost Frog (p.10), a Critically Endangered Togo Slippery Conservation, Herp Ghana, SAVE retrospective on the 30 years since Frog (Conraua derooi). Develop- THE FROGS! Ghana and Synchro- the last Golden Toad sighting in ments at the end of May suggest nicity Earth in protecting Atewa 1989 (p.8), and the last 30 years of the citizen science “Toads on the world about Ranavirus (p.1)! Amphibian Specialist Group (p.14). Roads” Froglife project in the UK In a project lead by University Col- ASA and ASG continue to work (p.6). Following on from a general lege London and our partner ZSL, closely together and we hope you call for more awareness-raising ac- a short animated film has been enjoy visiting our sites. Please get tivities on amphibian disease at a released on the threat of Rana- in touch with any feedback! recent major conference hosted by virus to UK frog populations and ZSL (p.13), Stephen Fry has lent is what you can do to help. Finally, Helen Meredith, PhD voice (perhaps most familiar in the please visit the brand new web- Executive Director context of the Harry Potter audio- sites recently launched for both Amphibian Survival Alliance books…) to the cause of teaching Amphibian Survival Alliance and

Join the Atelopus Survival Initiative to help bring Harlequin Toads back from near extinction © Fundación Atelopus

The beautiful and charismatic Harle- Toad, Extinct in the Wild, according spearheading efforts to develop and quin Toads (Atelopus), which range to the IUCN Red List of Threatened foster a coordinated harlequin toad across the Neotropics from Costa Species. As of 2018, 37 harlequin conservation network committed to Rica down to Bolivia, are among the frog species had disappeared from ensuring we don’t lose these jewels most threatened group of amphib- their known localities and have not forever. ians in the world. Despite their been seen since the early 2000s, important role in cultures they touch despite efforts to find them. The -At We are calling for ASA partners across their distribution and their elopus genus is in critical condition, to join a network of national and vital role in the ecosystems in which and its rapid and poorly explained international conservation groups they live, entire species of harlequin declines are driving the entire genus and zoos, academic institutions and toads have been vanishing since to extinction. Without a coordinated governments working together to the 1980s. The deadly amphibian response of the most effective -ac implement substantial, long-term, chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium tions, we risk losing this incredible range-wide conservation measures dendrobatidis – Bd), combined with genus to extinction. for this unique group of amphib- habitat destruction and degradation, ians. The Atelopus Survival Initiative introduction of invasive species such Global Wildlife Conservation, in and the members of the network as Rainbow Trout, and the effects of partnership with the Smithsonian together aim to: climate change, have left 80 of the Conservation Biology Institute, 96 harlequin toad species Endan- Amphibian Survival Alliance, IUCN • Unite and mobilize the harlequin gered, Critically Endangered, Extinct SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, toad community into a collabo- or, like the Panamanian Golden Amphibian Ark, and others, is rative network. • Develop a coordinated, stand- conservationists working across the goals of the initiative. Together ardized, and long-term conser- range country and internationally we can restore harlequin toads and vation strategy to ensure har- in-situ and ex-situ. The workshop protect their habitat. If you’re inter- lequin toad survival inside and will establish the initiative’s mission, ested in joining this critical initia- outside of their natural ranges. vision, form, and function, update tive, please contact Lina Valencia at • Identify and implement prior- the current conservation status of [email protected]. ity actions collectively at the the genus, share and standardize national, regional, and interna- conservation actions, and formulate tional level to save this group a roadmap of actions to be imple- of amphibians across the range mented collectively. This roadmap countries in a cost-effective way. will form the basis of an action plan • Promote the conservation of that will prioritize the conservation harlequin toads through educa- needs and strategies by site, coun- tion and communication cam- try, and species, and will define the paigns. implementation of those actions • Provide capacity building and based on the capacity and cost training to herpetologists and needs, as well as the opportunities amphibian conservationists. present.

As a first step to accomplish this, ASA partners can support these ef- we will conduct a 4-day workshop forts in several ways. We're looking in Medellin, Colombia in Novem- for your expertise and initiative part- ber with key Atelopus experts and ners and for funding to implement Ghana set to sacrifice irreplaceable forest and water sources for 5 million people for bauxite mine © Jeremy Lindsell/ A Rocha International Lindsell/ A Rocha © Jeremy

Despite vehement opposition from provides water for 5 million people. Areas (KBA) and home to more than local communities and international The recent decision to send bulldoz- 100 globally threatened species. conservation organisations, the ers in to start clearing access roads Designated as a Forest Reserve in Ghanaian government seems deter- shows that the authorities have 1926, the Atewa forest is also a mined to proceed with a destructive decided to plough ahead with the critical water source, housing the bauxite mine in the Atewa Forest – a controversial project. If completed, headwaters of the Birim, Densu and globally important ecosystem that the mine would destroy the forest – Ayensu rivers, which provide water harbours extraordinary wildlife and one of the world’s Key Biodiversity to local communities as well as mil- lions of people downstream, includ- humanity by the rapid loss of biodi- rope and the US, has been contract- ing in the capital, Accra. versity and called for urgent global ed to develop the mine plan, with action to reverse the trend. initial reports due this month. “Despite the government’s asser- tions, bauxite mining would forever A recent Global Forest Watch report “The Ghanaian government must destroy the Atewa forest, leaving also estimated that there had been prioritize what is invaluable for the extinct species and dried up water a 60% increase in Ghana’s tropi- people of Ghana: Atewa Forest is sources in its wake,” said Daryl Bosu, cal primary rainforest loss in 2018 the crown jewel of the country’s deputy national director of A Rocha compared to 2017, the highest in biodiversity and the water towers Ghana, part of a coalition of conser- the world. for three major river systems,” said vation organisations with over 15 Frederick Kwame Kumah, WWF million supporters worldwide that “The recent UN biodiversity report Africa Region Director. “Bauxite are calling on the government to was crystal clear: protect wildlife or mining in Atewa will cause unimagi- abandon plans to mine the forest all life on Earth will suffer, including nable destruction to the forest and and instead declare it a National humans,” said Russ Mittermeier, river ecosystems and directly impact Park. GWC’s Chief Conservation Officer people’s basic livelihoods.” and chair of the IUCN SSC Primate Over 20,000 people have already Specialist Group. “The government Simon Stuart, Synchronicity Earth’s signed a petition calling on the gov- of Ghana has a tremendous op- Director of Strategic Conservation ernment to declare Atewa Forest a portunity to demonstrate that it is added “if mining proceeds in the At- National Park. committed to preserving the coun- ewa Forest, not only will we seal the try’s natural life support system and fate of several species, including two “It is still not too late for the govern- ecosystems that are critical for the endemic frogs, but we also set the ment to stop this disastrous mine health of the global environment appalling precedent that mining can in its tracks and instead champion by preventing mining in the Atewa proceed in hugely important places Ghana’s incredibly rich natural Forest and instead designating it a for biodiversity without an Environ- heritage and the interests of the five national park.” mental Impact Assessment. We call million Ghanaians who depend on on the Government of Ghana to Atewa Forest for their water,” added In 2016, A Rocha and partners cancel this project and to stop the Bosu. published a report that showed that damage before it is too late.” protecting Atewa Forest as a nation- Unlike Ghana’s existing bauxite mine al park with a well-managed buffer at Awaso, which locals describe as zone around it – rather than min- a “desert of red mud,” Atewa For- ing it for bauxite – had the highest est is teeming with life, home to economic value for the country over at least 50 mammal species, more 25 years, with tremendous benefits than 1,000 species of plants, at least to communities both upstream and 230 species of birds and more than down. 570 butterflies – some of which are found nowhere else in the world. A recent US government report con- Mining Atewa Forest for bauxite, cluded that “given the scale, dura- the main ingredient in aluminium, tion, and potential significant and would push a number of species permanent impact of Ghana’s Inte- even closer to extinction, including grated Bauxite Plan, on the Atewa the endangered white-naped mang- Forest Reserve and water supply of abey, the critically endangered togo over 5 million people, it is critical slippery frog, and the Afia Birago to evaluate a range of development puddle frog, which was only discov- and management options (including ered in 2017. … alternatives to mining) to protect drinking water and other ecosystem The government’s decision to start services.” tearing down the forest comes just a month after a landmark report Funds from the bauxite mine will be by the Intergovernmental Science- used to repay the Chinese com- Policy Platform on Biodiversity and pany, Sinohydro, for infrastructure Ecosystem Services (IPBES), which projects in Ghana. SRK Consulting, highlighted the threat posed to a global company with offices in Eu- Toads on Roads – 30 years of citizen science Toads on Roads is a long-term UK- million common toads have been Each summer, hundreds of thou- based project coordinated by the helped across roads by dedicated sands of newly emerged juvenile charity Froglife. Each year hundreds volunteers. Froglife has over 180 toads leave ponds and disperse into of 'toad patrollers' go out in mild registered active toad patrols in the surrounding habitats to seek suit- conditions after dusk in early spring UK and in 2018 over 98,000 toads able foraging areas. There is a high to help toads that are trying to were saved from traffic collisions by risk that juveniles encounter and reach their breeding sites. Common volunteers. However, despite these try to cross roads. The degree of Toads (Bufo bufo) breed in ancestral huge efforts, Common Toads are the problem is not yet known since ponds and follow habitual migration in decline and research by Froglife juveniles are very small (less than 10 routes to reach their breeding sites. and the University of Zurich has mm) and are highly secretive. How- Hundreds or thousands of toads shown that this species has de- ever, if high numbers of juveniles are may congregate at breeding ponds clined by 68% over the past 30 years being killed on roads each year, this for just a few weeks each year. Un- across parts of England (Petrovan & will have impacts on recruitment fortunately, migration routes often Schmidt, 2016). into the adult population and po- take toads across roads, and adults tentially lead to population declines. experience high levels of mortality. Froglife are committed to identify- Currently, toad patrollers only help Toad patrollers are vital in helping the causes of the decline in the adult toads cross roads to reach ing the toads to reach their ponds Common Toad. This year we are breeding ponds in the spring. How- safely. Since the first patrols were investigating the potential impacts ever, Froglife is carrying out a trial set up in the early 1980s, over 1.5 of roads on juvenile Common Toads. research project with toad patrollers to determine the risk posed to juveniles during summer dispersal. This July groups of volunteers are going to be walking around tradi- tional toad breeding ponds looking for juveniles and monitoring their dispersal routes. This will provide valuable information on the move- ments of juveniles and will enable Froglife to develop further conservation actions for the common toad.

Reference: Petrovan, S. P. & Schmidt, B. R. (2016). Volunteer conservation action data reveals large-scale and long-term negative population trends of a widespread amphibian, the common toad (Bufo bufo). PLOS ONE, 11 (10), e0161943. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0161943. © Dave Kilbey © Dave © Detroit Zoological Socoiety Zoological © Detroit

Amphibian Red List workshop in Honduras The Detroit Zoological Society is a intimate knowledge of the country’s the country. Armed with this new supporter of amphibian conserva- amphibians. Local experts’ knowl- knowledge, at the end of the assess- tion in Honduras, as it is a key biodi- edge of current assets and con- ment workshop a meeting was held versity region, with many amphib- straints was also critical in discus- with officials from el Instituto de ians facing the threat of extinction. sion of future steps for protecting Conservaticion Forestal (ICF) to dis- Recognizing this support, at the end species in critical need. To assess the cuss the results of the assessments of 2018, the International Union for animals, the Honduran amphibian and what next steps could be taken. the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) experts were assembled at la Uni- approached the Detroit Zoological versidad Zamarano outside Teguci- The Detroit Zoological Society is Society and asked them to host an galpa for a four day workshop. Over looking forward to participating in Amphibian Red List workshop in the four days, data on 151 species the actions that come from what Honduras. The zoo was excited to of amphibians in Honduras were as- we learned in this important assess- help gain an understanding of the sessed to determine their IUCN red ment. conservation needs of the unique list categories. amphibians of this country. This IUCN assessment of amphibians was Although there were more species the first assessment of the amphib- assessed in 2019 than during the ian species in Honduras for over 15 last Honduran IUCN assessment, the years. The assessment was held overall number of species that are in country, as it was critical for the now extinct, critically endangered, participation of local experts with and endangered have increased in Thirty years after the last Golden Toad sighting, what have we learned? The story of Costa Rica’s Mon- The Golden Toad was endemic to They documented nine more a cou- teverde Cloud Forest is like so many the Monteverde Cloud Forest — ple of miles away. other protected areas. First, biolo- found nowhere else on Earth. The gists noticed incredible species in an species was a brilliant burnt-yellow, And then in 1989, they spotted one ecosystem. In Monteverde’s case, prone to easy spotting in its thick, male toad — and nothing else. the forest contained tropical birds green rainforest home. That’s if you like the Resplendent Quetzal and were around during the short time In 1990, they found none. amphibians like the Golden Toad. the toad was above ground. The But then, like so many other pro- species spent most of its life un- And so it’s been ever since. Finally, tected areas, they also documented derground, emerging only for a few in 2004, the International Union for threats — in this case, habitat degra- days at the end of the dry season to Conservation of Nature declared the dation from squatters and hunting. mate. Golden Toad “Extinct.” So, at last, they worked to protect the forest. Spotting the frogs must have been From 1,500 to 10 in one year. From an incredible sight to behold. In 10 to one in the next. That is, re- And thus, the Monteverde Cloud 1987, between April and July, re- spectively, a 99% drop and a 90% Forest Reserve came into exist- searchers noted nearly 1,500 adult drop. Of course, going from one to ence in 1973. Soon after opening, toads scattered between a few zero is a 100% decline. it hosted tourists and researchers shallow pools around the forest. Im- from around the world. The reserve agine — these bright yellow toads, What lead to this precipitative drop? grew over time, offering more and seen once a year, all converging on This question leads into a near more protection for its species. puddles to breed before retreating thirty-year debate on why, exactly, underground. the Golden Toad went extinct. A All went according to plan. paper in 1992 (when researchers Until it didn’t. But in 1988, scientists found only still hoped some toads were hiding one toad, a male, in the same area. somewhere) noted that in 1988- 1990, rainfall started later after the We also don’t know how to stop it. searched in vain for the little, color- dry season. What’s more, the rain ful amphibian. They’ve found zilch, came down heavier at first, instead This threat doesn’t bode well for the nada, squat — every time. Over of slow to start. The pools used for Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. time, the Golden Toad has become frog breeding filled faster, which In fact, this type of threat doesn’t a symbol of extinction and the may have removed the window of bode well for habitat protection at amphibian biodiversity crisis. This shallowness needed to breed. all. Climate change, fungal diseases week, many herpetologists mourn — these won’t stop at a fence. A one of the world’s most-analyzed They speculated that small changes forest guard can’t stop these threats and rued amphibian losses. in climate might lead to catastrophic from passing into a reserve. Why collapse. With the scientific com- even protect land if indiscriminate Thirty years later, amphibians are munity now examining the effect of threats can still kill wildlife? still on the edge of oblivion. But in global warming on ecosystems, this those thirty years, we’ve discovered was significant. But while protected areas aren’t chytridiomycosis. We’ve developed catch-alls, they’re not useless. As more plans to build ecosystem resil- But around the same time, amphib- the world’s ecosystems face a multi- iency in the face of climate change. ian researchers discovered another, faceted barrage of threats, we need We’ve expanded protected areas, once-hidden threat. Researchers to keep habitats as intact as pos- including the Monteverde Cloud For- around the world found a striking sible. Much like ecosystems, threats est Reserve. Rainforest Trust actu- similarity in precipitous amphib- to ecosystems are interconnected. ally helped secure an additional 100 ian population declines. It seemed Climate change can reduce rain- acres for the reserve in 1993. amphibians were on the verge of fall — leading to wildlife migration collapse everywhere — and no one outside protected areas in search of The work we’ve done to prevent could figure out why. water. But protecting more land in- other frogs from the Golden Toad’s creases the likelihood they can find fate hasn’t been enough. But it’s In 1993, researchers first found a drinking water within a reserve. been a start. And you can’t get any- possible culprit. Fungi in the genus where without that. Batrachochytrium, also known as Poaching targets individual animals “chytrid” was causing a fatal dis- for meat. But if habitat degrada- ease called chytridiomycosis. After tion causes a decrease in pollinator decades of research, we know that species, crops may not offer enough at least two chytrid fungal species food for a family anymore. They can lead to the disease. Research- might poach to survive. ers today cite the chytrid fungus as the likely cause of extinction for the Habitat is the basis of ecological sur- Golden Toad. And, I should add, doz- vival. Land conservation is the first ens of other amphibian species. The step for any species facing extinction crisis is still occurring. Amphibians because any conservation program are dying everywhere, with species is useless without habitat. Intact clinging to existence. It’s the most ecosystems are their own support deadly threat to biodiversity you’ve systems — the more of an ecosys- never heard of. tem remains intact, the more resil- ience it has against threats. Habitat But we’re still uncertain of where loss is the leading cause of extinc- chytrid came from, why/how it be- tion worldwide, so habitat protec- comes fatal or how it spreads. Some tion is one of the leading necessities scientists argue that climate change of preventing extinction. Fences might alter the fungus’s growth may not stop killer fungi, but they pattern, leading to disease. Others do keep species happy otherwise — note that amphibians have a chytrid- making them stronger in the face of fighting bacteria on their skin. But killer fungi. We’ve also rediscovered something in the environment — species once thought to be extinct in like chemical pesticides or other protected areas — like the “golden pollution — might impede their wonder” salamander. immune response to the fungus. The spores can spread through soil and In the thirty years since the last water, but they might also spread Golden Toad sighting, scientists and through rain. amateur herpetologists alike have Table Mountains freshwater ecosystem – the elusive Ghost Frog © Endangered Wildlife Trust Wildlife © Endangered

The Table Mountain Ghost Frog historically been unaffected by hu- Despite these issues, very little is (Heleophryne rosei) is a Critically man activity. Tadpoles of the spe- known about the ghost frog's habi- Endangered amphibian restricted cies take over a year to develop into tat requirements, life history or pop- to just six fast flowing perennial adults, relying on perennial flow and ulation size. Nor is there adequate streams on Table Mountain, Cape clear, sediment-free pools with an long-term monitoring of the peren- Town, South Africa. Ghost Frogs abundance of cobbles upon which nial streams in which the species has are exceptionally well adapted to they graze algae. Despite being es- evolved. However, we do know that the unique freshwater ecosystems sentially fully protected, the species their disappearance from several found in the Afromontane forested has disappeared from two streams streams emphasises the impact that gorges and valleys of Table Moun- that have been directly impacted human activity has had on ecosys- tain and act as early indicators of by alien vegetation encroachment tem function and integrity. In light environmental change within the and general habitat degradation due of this, and thanks to funding from ecosystem. The Table Mountain to heavy foot traffic along popular the Table Mountain Fund, a three- Ghost Frog has a naturally small hiking paths that crisscross these year project was launched in Janu- distribution and is entirely within streams, and windblown eroding ary 2019 dedicated to improving Table Mountain National Park and sands originating in mountain dams the freshwater ecosystems on Table the Kirstenbosch National Botani- that form part of the City of Cape Mountain. Headed by the Endan- cal Gardens estate. These cryptic Town’s water supply. The remain- gered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and the frogs climb vertical walls and nestle ing six streams are facing similar South African National Biodiversity in elevated cracks, preferring the threats, all a direct result of human Institute (SANBI), the project aims steep, mossy cascades that have activity. to implement long-term monitoring protocols to assess trends in stream also disappeared, almost certainly a health, establish baseline data on result of anthropogenic influences. key target species endemic to these However, fully understanding the streams, as well as identify and im- issues these freshwater ecosys- plement conservation interventions tems face and correctly identifying such as alien clearing to directly measures to address them is no easy improve stream health. task. This project aims to provide a solid foundation on which long-term These streams are home to a variety conservation actions can be built, of other endemic range-restricted and cultivate partnerships and syn- species such as the undescribed ergies to coordinate and strengthen freshwater fish (Galaxias sp.) and these actions. It is time we learned the possibly extinct Elusive Skimmer more about these complex systems (Orthetrum rubens). The population and initiate actions that will ensure of Rose’s Mountain Toadlet (Capen- their survival for future generations sibufo rosei) on Table Mountain has to come. Key Conservation: Empowering hope done within a customized range. For example, if a conservation organization needs help pushing their patrol vehicle out of the mud or they want to alert locals of a sea turtle hatchling release they can send out a push notification to supporters within a set radius.

After the contribution has been put to use the conservation organization will send a photo/video update to the supporter to show the outcome. Creating a transparent, stronger and more personal connection that supporters have been wanting. Key Conservation is helping con- sional skills to help conservation servationists receive critical fund- projects. For example, a graphic We can stop global extinction if we ing and increased global support designer could help with an out- utilize new technology and interact through a mobile app that provides reach campaign or drone operator with supporters in ways that they real-time updates on day-to-day could help with collecting data on want. We believe the Key Conserva- campaigns. a remote study area. Tapping into tion mobile app will do just that. these skills could save conservation The mobile app will have a scrolling organizations thousands of dollars feed that will update as needs from while creating a lifelong connec- conservationists occur globally. This tion with a supporter. The second new flow of real-time data allows for feature allows supporters to give innovative approaches for assistance funds to a conservation project to from supporters and mentors. The help with issues happening in real- Key Conservation app provides three time or long-term goals. Lastly, the ways for conservation organizations In-Person feature allows supporters to get help and three ways for sup- to be alerted to real-time volunteer porters to give it. opportunities in their area through geo-based push notifications. This The first way is through the feature feature updates automatically as called Skilled Impact which enables people travel around the world, supporters to give their profes- alerting them to the work being © Brian Gratwicke, SmithsonianConservation Biology Institute SmithsonianConservation © Brian Gratwicke,

Uniting amphibian IUCN Red List assessment updates and Alliance for Zero Extinction sites ASA, Global Wildlife Conservation are up to date in order to best guide We recently tried this approach in (GWC), and the Amphibian Red conservation efforts. Honduras in March and will repli- List Authority (ARLA) of the IUCN cate it in the following countries SSC are collaborating to update all For amphibian species reassessed and regions over the next 1-2 years: amphibian Alliance for Zero Extinc- in 2018 or earlier, we are using the Central America, Caribbean, Brazil, tion (AZE) sites. Thanks to a grant updated IUCN Red List assessments Venezuela, Europe, Mainland South- from Synchronicity Earth—a fellow and range maps to assess whether east Asia, Melanesia, South Asia, Sri Amphibian Survival Alliance (ASA) current AZE trigger species still meet Lanka, East Asia, and USA. partner—we are developing an ap- the criteria and to identify potential proach that updates the AZE data new AZE trigger species. We are The full update of amphibian AZE in parallel with the IUCN Red List contacting local experts to confirm sites will be completed along with assessment process. or reject these initial assessments, the second Global Amphibian As- resolve any outstanding questions, sessment at the end of 2020. The latest iteration of the AZE list and seek feedback on site delinea- includes 344 sites that are triggered tion. For species reassessed in 2019 We are proud to be part of the in part or in full by at least one and 2020, we are folding the review Alliance for Zero Extinction, which amphibian species. AZE sites hold of AZE sites into the Red List work- brings together organisations such Critically Endangered or Endangered shop or process for a given country as American Bird Conservancy, IUCN, species restricted to a single site or region. GWC, Synchronicity Earth and ASA globally and are in urgent need of to pinpoint and drive the protection conservation to prevent imminent By preparing extensively ahead of of the Earth’s most irreplaceable extinction. All confirmed AZE sites the Red List workshop, including an places to safeguard endangered also qualify as Key Biodiversity Are- initial assessment using the draft species. as, sites that contribute significantly Red List assessments and prepar- to the global persistence of biodiver- ing maps of current and potential sity. The recent global AZE update trigger species in relation to AZE took place before many amphibian and other KBA boundaries, we are species had been reassessed for the able to quickly review the AZE data second Global Amphibian Assess- during the workshops in a way that ment, requiring additional work to adds value to, rather than detracts ensure that the amphibian AZE sites from, the reassessment process. Symposium: Mitigating single pathogen and co-infections that threaten amphibian biodiversity The Zoological Society of London re- live amphibians is not as lucrative as Should Bsal arrive in North America, cently sponsored a symposium, ded- other taxa, it might be challenging to it will infect amphibians already icated to Tim Halliday, on mitigating find funding to construct bio-secure infected with Bd. Ana Longo showed amphibian diseases, which took facilities necessary to conduct a through experiments in the labora- place in London on the 24th and “clean trade” program. It is becom- tory that co-infections of Bd and 25th of April 2019. Invited speakers ing clear that Bsal was introduced Bsal can be worse for eastern newts came from around the world, and into Europe in the pet trade, and (Notophthalmus viridescens) than there were a number of contributed there is evidence that Bd has been infections with Bsal alone. There- posters. Speakers focused on three moved by humans around the fore, it appears that prior infection amphibian diseases (Bd and Bsal world. Thus, biosecurity protocols with Bd in salamanders tolerant of chytridiomycosis and ranavirosis), are essential to prevent Bsal from Bd did not cause any cross-immunity the threat these diseases pose to being established in North America to Bsal, unfortunately. amphibians and how to mitigate the and to keep all known and currently threats. Considerable progress has unknown pathogens from coming The symposium ended on a positive been made in understanding the into contact with naïve and suscepti- note with talks by Roland Knapp and biology of the pathogens, the epide- ble amphibian species. Cori Richards-Zawacki on recover- miology of the diseases and poten- ing amphibian populations. It may tial mitigation techniques. However, Mitigation efforts include probiot- be that under some circumstances there is currently no silver bullet ics, and several talks addressed this natural selection for disease re- that can control the pathogens. option (Molly Bletz, Xavier Har- sistance will lead to population rison, Benedikt Schmidt). To date, recovery. If so, it could be argued The meeting began with overview efforts at adding anti-chytrid bac- that mitigation measures would be talks by Phil Bishop and Reid Har- teria to amphibian skins have led counterproductive since mitigation ris, both of the Amphibian Survival to mixed results. One field study on “rescues” individuals from natural Alliance (ASA). These talks described the California Yellow Legged Frog selection. However, until more is how ASA, the Amphibian Special- (Rana muscosa/sierrae) showed known the consensus is to continue ist Group, and Amphibian Ark work that probiotics increased year to to research mitigation methods together to conserve amphibians. year survival by 39% over untreated since some species may not be able Of note are the ecological conse- controls. Evidence was presented to respond to selection for a variety quences of amphibian population that the diversity of the skin micro- of reasons including limited genetic declines. For example, woodland biome could mitigate the effects of variation for resistance. In addition, salamanders prey on leaf-shredding ranavirus. The emerging evidence there is evidence that even when insects, keeping their abundance that microbiome manipulation can some populations do respond to down and allowing leaf matter to ac- be effective suggests that further selection for resistance that they de- cumulate. This amounts to carbon research in this area will be fruitful. cline anyway, again suggesting that being stored in the fallen leaves, Other areas of research include vac- research into mitigation measures is however carbon would be released cinations and biocontrol of Bd and imperative. into the atmosphere as CO2 should Bsal using micro-predators. salamanders disappear with likely The abstracts of all the talks are effects on global warming. The role of aquatic community available at this link: https://www. structure in disease transmission zsl.org/science/whats-on/mitigat- A few talks will be briefly described was highlighted in a talk by Jason ing-single-pathogen-and-co-infec- here, and the abstracts of all of the Hoverman. Using a series of experi- tions-that-threaten-amphibian- talks and posters are available at ments, his group found that preda- biodiversity the link below. The role of trade in tors, by reducing host population pathogen movement across large density, reduced ranavirus infection Reid Harris, Director of International geographic areas was highlighted. prevalence within amphibian com- Disease Mitigation, Amphibian Sur- Richard Griffiths noted that about munities. These results suggest that vival Alliance 12% of consignments of amphibians incorporating the role of predation arriving in the UK contained Bd- in management and conservation positive animals. And since trade in strategies could be effective. © ELuis Fernando Marin da Fonte © ELuis Fernando

New amphibian conservation websites launched The IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist lish separate online homes for each Group (ASG) and the Amphibian Sur- group so as to better serve our re- vival Alliance (ASA) are both proud spective audiences and to minimize to launch their respective new web- confusion between ASG and ASA. sites, www.iucn-amphibians.org and www.amphibians.org! Please note, however, that we continue to work very closely The ASG and ASA have shared the together and will continue to link same domain, amphibians.org, since extensively between both groups. As 2013. Originally ASG’s home, the you browse through the websites, intent behind this was to show the you will notice that there is some close collaboration that exists be- common content; this is because we tween both groups. Over the years, have and/or continue to work on however, we found that this was joint programs and projects. leading to some confusion regarding the identity and functions of both We invite you to visit both websites groups and was not serving our dif- and to provide feedback so that we ferent audiences to the best of our can better serve you as a member of ability. After a period of consultation the amphibian research and conser- with communications experts and vation communities! website users, we decided to estab-