A recent study from UNSW Sydney has raised alarms about the vulnerability of amphibian species worldwide, offering new insights into their resilience against climate-induced heat stress. The findings have significant implications for conservation efforts, including growing concerns for the Snowy Mountains, Brindabella Ranges based, critically endangered Northern Corroboree Frog (Pseudophryne pengilleyi), already struggling against various environmental threats.
PHOTO: The Northern Corroboree frog is found only in isolated parts of the NSW and ACT Brindabella Ranges CREDIT: David Hunter (DPIE)
Researchers from UNSW, led by Dr Patrice Pottier, have developed a novel methodology for predicting the heat tolerance of 60% of the world’s amphibians using 2661 heat tolerance limit estimates from 524 species. This development allows scientists to forecast which species are most at risk under current and future climate scenarios.
“We used very conservative estimates in this study assuming access to cool shaded environments. Therefore, the impacts of global warming will likely exceed our projections,” says Dr Pottier.
“So all efforts to limit global warming are needed to protect the world’s amphibians.”
The study, published in Nature today, reveals that 2% of the world’s amphibians already experience temperatures exceeding their physiological limits, with projections indicating this could rise to 7.5% with a global 4°C temperature increase.
The study’s findings highlight areas such as the Southern Hemisphere, where tropical species face increased risks from overheating, challenging previous assumptions about vulnerability based solely on latitude.
Climate Action Monaro President, Jenny Goldie, has warned of regional impacts due to climate change, sighting the recent release of the Climate Councils’ new Heat Map Tool.
Ms Goldie said the model shows the rapid increase in high-temperature days and its potential to disrupt ecosystems in the Snowy Mountains.
“While we can be thankful there will be no days over 40 degrees by 2090, the fact the model projects going from one to nine days over 35 degrees in Eden-Monaro is very worrying,” she said.
“Our whole alpine region is vulnerable to the hotter and drier conditions that come with climate change. Many ecosystems and species rely on snow cover, but that will steadily diminish as well.”
“It is thus critical that we take action now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are the cause of climate change. There can be no delay.”
PHOTO: Senior Wiradjuri man, Rodney Penrith, assisting in the collection of Northern Corroboree frog eggs. CREDIT: David Hunter (DPIE)
The Northern Corroboree Frog, a species spotlighted by the NSW Government’s Saving our Species (SoS) program, already faces imminent extinction due to threats from diseases, particularly the amphibian chytrid fungus, and habitat degradation.
Efforts under SoS include captive breeding, habitat restoration, and reintroduction programs, notably in Taronga Zoo and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, aimed at stabilising populations in areas like Micalong Swamp Flora Reserve.
The combined insights from the UNSW study and ongoing conservation initiatives underline the urgency stakeholders feel is required for comprehensive action to preserve these vulnerable amphibians and the wider complex ecosystems they support.