Amphibians are likely to struggle with extreme weather conditions in the future, including heat waves and droughts, according to a study published in Conservation Biology.
Habitat loss and pollution are already affecting many amphibians native to tropical regions. Now, a team from Goethe University, Germany, shows that extreme weather events are an additional stress factor, further intensifying the problem.
For this study, the researchers analysed global weather data from the past 40 years and compared regions with increased heat waves, droughts, and cold spells with the distribution of more than 7,000 species of amphibians. This comparison clearly showed that heat waves and droughts have increased the threat to amphibians since 2004.
“Amphibians’ dependence on temporary wetlands for breeding makes them particularly vulnerable to droughts and temperature shifts that cause their breeding grounds to dry prematurely,” explained Dr. Evan Twomey, lead author of the study. “Our analyses show the direct connection between the increase in extreme weather events and the decline of amphibian populations.”
Three regions seem particularly affected: Europe, the Amazon region, and Madagascar. In the Amazon, the majority of amphibians are exposed to increasing heat waves, while in Europe, droughts mainly cause problems for the animals. In this region, salamanders suffer most under the changed conditions.
The situation in Central Europe is also of concern. Climate projections suggest that periods of drought are likely to increase in both duration and intensity. Prof. Lisa Schulte, head of the Department of Wildlife-/Zoo-Animal-Biology and Systematics, warned: “Already half of the true salamanders native to Central Europe are exposed to increasing droughts today – and this will likely get worse in the future.”
The study highlighted the urgency of conservation measures, including, for example, the creation of small protected areas where amphibians can find refuge and the improvement of wetlands to ensure better living conditions. In addition, creating moist retreat sites, such as using pipes or boards, provides these animals with opportunities to withdraw during dry periods. Amphibians are considered indicators of ecosystem health, and their protection is crucial to preserve biodiversity.
Twomey E, Sylvester F, Jourdan J, Hollert H, Schulte LM. Quantifying exposure of amphibian species to heat waves, cold spells, and droughts. Conserv Biol. 2025 May 31:e70074.